Partners for Peace gathering 50 stories of domestic violence

In honor of their 50-year history, Partners for Peace, Maine’s first domestic violence resource center, is collecting 50 stories from people affected by domestic abuse to be highlighted in October.

Partners for Peace is celebrating 50 years of advocating on behalf of people affected by domestic violence in Penobscot and Piscataquis counties in Maine. In honor of this milestone, they are gathering 50 stories to uplift the voices of those who have been affected by domestic violence and abuse. Stories can be submitted in multiple formats: written pieces, poetry, artwork, photography, or other creative means.

“We want to hear from folx who identify as victims, survivors, social justice warriors, surviving family and friends of domestic violence homicide victims, advocates, domestic violence movement pioneers, and anyone who has a story related to domestic violence to share,” said Casey Faulkingham, director of development & engagement and the coordinator of this project. “However you identify, if you have a story, we’d be honored for it to be a part of Our Collective Story.”

Together, these 50 stories will create “Our Collective Story Project” which will be shared at their 50th anniversary event in October, as part of a gallery in a local art museum, in a virtual art gallery, and eventually in a published book. 

Individual stories will be shared anonymously or non-anonymously, depending on safety. Stories will be accepted on a rolling basis until Aug. 1. Partners for Peace is offering story-crafting workshops for anyone who’s not sure where to start. The first workshop is taking place on Tuesday, May 9 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in Bangor. Learn more about the workshops and the project at www.partnersforpeaceme.org/storyproject. 

Partners for Peace provides support services for anyone affected by abuse and violence in the Penobscot and Piscataquis County region. For more information, visit our website at www.partnersforpeaceme.org. To speak with one of our advocates, please call our 24-hour helpline at 1-800-863-9909. Our services are free and confidential.