Partners for Peace recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Dover-Foxcroft

DOVER-FOXCROFT — October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Partners for Peace is hosting two public events in Dover-Foxcroft in recognition of the month on Thursday, Oct. 23. 

Domestic violence is a pervasive issue in Maine, with roughly half of homicides being domestic violence related. Each October, Partners for Peace amplifies the voices of survivors and remembers those taken too soon. 

On Oct. 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. join Partners for Peace for an open house at the Dover-Foxcroft Resource Center at 8 Mechanic St. Their Clothesline Project will be on display depicting survivor stories, staff advocates will be available with information and resources, light refreshments will be served and community connections will be made.

Later, in the evening from 5:30-7 p.m., there will be a Survivor Story Sharing Dinner at the Dover-Foxcroft Congregational Church at 824 West Main St.

The dinner will serve as a space for community members to come together, break bread and hear stories of resilience from survivors of domestic violence. Stories will also be shared from the organization’s ongoing Collective Story Project, a collection of contributed stories from survivors in many formats; written stories, collages, paintings and multi-media artwork.

“For us, it’s important to create safe spaces for survivors to share the truth of what happened to them,” said Casey Falkingham, director of development and engagement at Partners for Peace. “These opportunities also allow us to educate community members on how to be good story-listeners, because a story can’t be told unless there are people there to hear them.”

“We look forward to connecting with our community during these events as a reminder that we’re here to help anyone impacted by domestic abuse and violence,” said Director of Advocacy and Outreach Services Angie Alfonso. “We want to amplify survivor stories as they are powerful tools for raising awareness, building empathy and inspiring engagement. Together, we can use our voices for those who feel unheard, and we can give hope for those who need it most.  Please join us.”

RSVP is required at https://tinyurl.com/Story-Telling-Event for this free event. Survivors who are interested in sharing their story in person or anonymously can fill out the RSVP form and indicate their interest.

This event is not religiously affiliated, and all are welcome. 

Other opportunities to get involved and act this October, such as Wear Purple Day on Oct. 16, can be found on the Partners for Peace website at www.partnersforpeaceme.org. 

Any questions about Domestic Violence Awareness Month can be directed to partnersforpeaceme@partnersforpeaceme.org. 

Partners for Peace provides support services for anyone affected by domestic 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.