HOULTON, Maine — Domestic violence and sexual assault can happen when a person least expects it, which is why the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians work diligently to offer support for victims and survivors.
To give people a better understanding of the types of services it provides, the Maliseet Advocacy Center hosted an open house and tree lighting event at its 690 Foxcroft Road location Thursday, April 2 to commemorate Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
A group of about 20 individuals visited the center to learn more about the services offered, enjoy some light refreshments and hear drumming by the Four Winds as well as a special presentation by the Boys & Girls Club of Maliseets youth drum group.
“We assist those who have experienced sexual assault and domestic violence, whether they are men or women,” Cathy St. John, program director for the Maliseet Advocacy Center. “We do not discriminate in that regard.”
As a federally-funded program, the center provides assistance to both Native Americans and non-Natives at its center in a variety of ways. The assistance can be in the form of education to the community; shelter for those needing a safe place to stay; support groups; court advocacy; teen dating violence; and much more.
St. John explained that sexual assault is any unwanted sexual act, or a sexual act that occurs in situations when one person forces, pressures or intimidates another into engaging in a sexual act.
“It can also happen when one person is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or has passed out from consuming drugs or alcohol and is unable to give consent,” she said.
Native women are 2.5 times more likely to experience sexual violence than other women in the United States. In addition 41% of sexual assaults against American Indians are committed by a stranger, while 34% are an acquaintance and 25% are a family member, while 86% of perpetrators of sexual violence against Native women are non-Native men, St. John said.
“As parents, sisters, brothers, aunties, uncles, cousins and friends, we have the power to change these statistics,” she said. “We all have a responsibility to keep our community safe. Speak up if you hear excuses for violence or victim blaming. Treat your partner and others with respect and always challenge abusive behaviors.”
New Tribal Police Chief Stephen Cormier served as the guest speaker for the evening and stressed how important it is for victims to reach out for help. He stated his office, which is located at 89 High St., is open any time for people to speak with him.
To conclude the evening, a tree decorated with teal lights was lit outside the Maliseet Advocacy Center to serve as a reminder of April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
