Post by Logan on Feb 16, 2016 18:43:12 GMT -6
Statehouse event to highlight success stories in effort to end domestic violence
AUGUSTA, Maine — The Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence will host Domestic Violence Day Tuesday, Feb. 16, at the Statehouse. Domestic violence advocates from MCEDV, the Wabanaki Women’s Coalition and United Somali Women of Maine will gather in the Hall of Flags to speak with policy makers and share success stories from their work.
“When we hear about domestic violence, we often hear bad news,” says MCEDV Public Awareness Coordinator Regina Rooney. “What the public may not know is that every day, people in our state are finding safety. Every day, people are rebuilding their lives after abuse. And every day, Mainers are engaging in prevention efforts to stop abuse before it occurs. These stories are important, too.”
The focus on success stories comes at a time when the demand placed on domestic violence services is growing statewide. Advocates are working with victims whose needs are more and more complex, including factors like addiction, mental health issues, and histories of human trafficking.
“We are fortunate to have a robust network of services across the state,” says MCEDV Executive Director Francine Garland Stark, “but the reality is, the available resources fall short of the need. Resource centers are scrambling to put together what they need to keep their doors open. Maine’s increase in addiction issues, ongoing unemployment and lack of access to health care exacerbate abuse and violence, making it harder for victims to break free. One of the critical ways the State helps to address domestic violence is through allocating resources for these services. We want to be sure policy makers understand the good work being done with those resources.”
Read more: bangordailynews.com/community/statehouse-event-to-highlight-success-stories-in-effort-to-end-domestic-violence/
AUGUSTA, Maine — The Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence will host Domestic Violence Day Tuesday, Feb. 16, at the Statehouse. Domestic violence advocates from MCEDV, the Wabanaki Women’s Coalition and United Somali Women of Maine will gather in the Hall of Flags to speak with policy makers and share success stories from their work.
“When we hear about domestic violence, we often hear bad news,” says MCEDV Public Awareness Coordinator Regina Rooney. “What the public may not know is that every day, people in our state are finding safety. Every day, people are rebuilding their lives after abuse. And every day, Mainers are engaging in prevention efforts to stop abuse before it occurs. These stories are important, too.”
The focus on success stories comes at a time when the demand placed on domestic violence services is growing statewide. Advocates are working with victims whose needs are more and more complex, including factors like addiction, mental health issues, and histories of human trafficking.
“We are fortunate to have a robust network of services across the state,” says MCEDV Executive Director Francine Garland Stark, “but the reality is, the available resources fall short of the need. Resource centers are scrambling to put together what they need to keep their doors open. Maine’s increase in addiction issues, ongoing unemployment and lack of access to health care exacerbate abuse and violence, making it harder for victims to break free. One of the critical ways the State helps to address domestic violence is through allocating resources for these services. We want to be sure policy makers understand the good work being done with those resources.”
Read more: bangordailynews.com/community/statehouse-event-to-highlight-success-stories-in-effort-to-end-domestic-violence/