HOULTON, Maine — Domestic violence abuse can take many forms. Oftentimes it is physical, with a person enduring an assault from a loved one.
But abuse can also come be emotional or financial, leaving the person feeling trapped, with nowhere to go.
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians held the tribe’s 25th annual candlelight vigil on Oct. 26 to raise awareness for the cause.
A small gathering turned out for this year’s vigil, which featured ceremonial tribal drumming, and lighting of candles in memory or honor of victims, followed by a meal. The event, held in the recently opened Maliseet Community Center, marked the first time an in-person gathering has been held for the past few years due to COVID-19.
Tribal elder Dayna Boyce opened the ceremony with a special prayer.
“Guide our tribal leaders, tribal employees and grandmothers to prevent further abuse of our loved ones,” she said. “Every day, the signs are all around us from our ancestors to walk the good, right path. We just have to take the time to see them.”
Chief Clarissa Sabattis said it was wonderful to see faces in their newly renovated facility after a couple of years of not gathering in person.
“This is one of my favorite events of the year and I am so glad that we are back to meeting together in person,” Sabattis said. “I want to challenge everybody here to be understanding of their relatives or friends — whoever it may be that is experiencing abuse. It is a difficult thing for someone to leave.”
Sabattis encouraged everyone in attendance to be kind to their partners and reminded people that help is available.
Houlton Police Chief Tim DeLuca served as the guest speaker for Wednesday’s event.
“Domestic violence in our community and throughout the state of Maine continues to be a serious issue, victimizing our families,” DeLuca said. “Houlton is no exception. In 2019, Maine ranked ninth per capita nationally for the rate of women killed by men. We at the Houlton Police Department take domestic violence seriously in our response.”
The chief added that being reactive to these instances was not enough. Instead, his department strives to be proactive.
“Victim support is without a doubt the most crucial element in fighting domestic violence,” he said. “It is often an ongoing issue at home, with victims feeling trapped in their hopelessness or a lack of support.”
The Maliseet Advocacy Center is available to anyone affected by domestic and sexual violence, dating violence, stalking and sex trafficking. The program offers support, assistance and information about options available.
The Maliseet program offers unconditional/confidential support; crisis intervention; safety planning; emergency shelter and related assistance; a support group; hospital accompaniment; court advocacy; assistance in filing for orders of protection from abuse; assistance in filing for divorce and parental rights/custody; legal assistance; information and referrals; and education and training.
The Maliseet Advocacy Center has an anonymous 24-hour crisis line at 207-532-6401 to offer support to any tribal member experiencing abuse.
HOULTON, Maine — October 27, 2022 — Tribal Chief Clarissa Sabattis speaks on the services available to those experiencing domestic violence abuse during the 25th annual Domestic Violence Candlelight Vigil at the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians Wednesday evening. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
HOULTON, Maine — October 27, 2022 — Houlton Police Chief Tim DeLuca was the featured speaker at the 25th annual Domestic Violence Candlelight Vigil at the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians Wednesday evening. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
HOULTON, Maine — October 27, 2022 — Tribal Elder Dayna Boyce reads an opening prayer during the 25th annual Domestic Violence Candlelight Vigil at the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians Wednesday evening. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
HOULTON, Maine — October 27, 2022 — Tribal drummers perform a song to open the 25th annual Domestic Violence Candlelight Vigil at the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians Wednesday evening. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
