FARMINGTON – With banners and candles, dozens of University of Maine at Farmington students walked with domestic violence advocates and law enforcement from Meetinghouse Park Monday evening, in a show of support for the past and present victims of abuse.
Safe Voices leads the annual vigils as part of a series of events in October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Vigils are held in Farmington, Auburn, Rumford and South Paris, as both a show of support for victims as well as a chance for members of the community to share their own stories.
It was the first of such vigils for Hillary Hooke, the Franklin County community educator for Safe Voices. She said that she was “overwhelmed” by the response from law enforcement and community members in regards to domestic violence.
“I’m so happy to see all of you here,” she said.
Domestic violence represents a significant percentage of Maine crime, with arrests increasing 22 percent this year. There had also been a 7.5 percent increase in protection from abuse orders issued through the court system, Hooke said. Safe Voices counted 207 unique clients in the past year, with 107 of them generating 233 hours of legal assistance on behalf of the agency.
Maine is the 9th highest state in the country when comparing the rate of women residents killed by men. Off 11 homicides in the past year, Hooke said, six of them were tied to domestic violence.
“This needless loss of life is tragic,” Hooke said. The participants in the vigil were marching in recognition of the victims of domestic violence, she said.
Upon arriving at the North Dining Hall in the Olsen Student Center on the University of Maine at Farmington campus, Sheriff Scott Nichols and Assistant District Attorney Claire Andrews spoke with students. Nichols spoke about changes in the law enforcement response to domestic violence incidents over the past three decades, while Andrews spoke from the perspective of someone who tries domestic violence cases.
Community members were also invited to share their own thoughts.
Other events will be held later this month. People are invited to Wear Purple Day on Wednesday, Oct. 14 to show support for the victims of domestic violence. The following Wednesday, Oct. 21, is Paint Your Profile Purple Day, with more details available at the Safe Voices Facebook page.
On Oct. 7, interested parties can contact their local hospital or healthcare provider to find out if they are participating in Health Cares About DV Day to learn more about the role healthcare providers play in treating and advocating for patients experiencing domestic violence.
Safe Voices will also be at the Pumpkin Festival on Front Street in Farmington on Saturday, Oct. 10 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. They will also be at the Rangeley Senior Expo on Saturday, Oct. 17 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
UMF will be holding their own domestic violence awareness events, including a 5K run on Oct. 31.
