Taking domestic violence message to the next level

By Gloria Austin  
Staff Writer
    Sometimes, we can become immune to things we see every day, every month or even every year.
Houlton Pioneer Times photograph
CRAFTERS – Royce Quint’s shop class at Hodgdon High School cut, painted and stained numerous purple ribbons to be displayed outside the Houlton Police Station with the names of Aroostook County victims, who died due to domestic violence and the Maine State Police Barracks, which will list the names of victims throughout the state who have lost their lives this year alone. Working on the ribbons were students, from left, Andrew McGillicuddy, Levi Scott, Dillion McGuire, Brandon Dow and Zach McCarty.

    Staff and volunteers of the Battered Women’s Project dressed Market Square and other areas throughout the County with purple ribbons. But, how often do those who aren’t abused or affected by abuse ever stop for a moment to consider the tragic story behind that symbol?
     Stamping out domestic violence isn’t just up to law enforcement or organizations involved with victims and their families, but its success depends on many individual acts of courage.
     Supporters will still don their purple ribbons in tribute to victims of domestic violence, but this year, the effort will take on a more authoritative face, as the local and state police agencies will bear witness of the crime.
    Wooden purple ribbons at the Houlton Police Station will display the names of Aroostook County victims, who died due to domestic violence; while at the Maine State Police Barracks on Route 1 a list of the names of victims throughout the state who have lost their lives this year alone will be shown.
    “The thought was as a community, we could take our message a step further by publicly displaying purple ribbons at the police departments in Aroostook County,” said Leslie Gervais, child/youth educator. “The idea was brought forth by Karan Wotton early in the spring and came to fruition this fall.”
    The Houlton and Hodgdon communities, according to Wotton, were quick to respond with their support.
    Traditionally, the purple ribbons are crafted from cloth. But this year, they are made from wood pieces donated by Donnie McGary, along with paint donated by Sherwin Williams. Hodgdon High School’s shop class instructed by Royce Quint cut, painted and stained numerous ribbons to be used.
Pioneer Times photo/Elna Seabrooks
PROCLAMATION — The Houlton Town Council officially proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Taking part in the signing ceremony were, from left, councilors John Fitzpatrick, Nancy Ketch and Walter Goodrich, Karan Wotton of the Battered Womens Project, and Sue Tortello, coucil member.
    Another new facet of Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a tree-lighting ceremony at 6:30 p.m. at the Amphitheatre in Monument Park on Oct. 1 to go along with the customary candlelight vigil and walk. A reception will be held at the Amphitheatre rain or shine.
    The Covington Task Force launched the themed “Purple Lights Night” in 2007.
    “Their vision was to have each state in the country partner with them to bring forth an understanding of domestic violence,” Gervais explained. “The simple idea of shining purple lights in a city or town will support survivors and help rebuild their lives, while giving hope to those still living with abuse, and fostering a respect for those who have lost their lives.”
    Though the candlelight vigil and walk is earlier in the month, it is hoped that residents will take the time to remember those fighting domestic violence and its damaging effects.
    “We are hoping that the displays at the local police barracks will only grow smaller in future years, as we all strive to end domestic violence,” Wotton said. “Wear a purple ribbon to show your support.”