HOULTON, Maine — The Maliseet Advocacy Center’s hope is that one day, domestic and sexual violence will be obsolete.
Until that goal is reached, the Center’s staff looks for new and innovative ways to raise awareness on the dangers and impacts of violence.
More than 100 people turned out for this year’s 29th annual vigil, held Oct. 4, at the Maliseet Community Center. Instead of the traditional candlelight vigil, organizers instead opted for a more family-friendly event, complete with a catered meal, Bingo and pumpkin decorating for children in cooperation with the Boys & Girls Club of Maliseets.
Throughout the month of October, the Maliseet Advocacy Center will hold a variety of events to generate conversations on a topic that can sometimes be uncomfortable. On Oct. 7, a tree-lighting ceremony was held at the Advocacy Center on the Foxcroft Road with about 40 people in attendance.
On Oct. 14, the Maliseet Advocacy Center hosted a staff appreciation luncheon and updated staff on the many programs it offers.
Other October events include a Resin Sun Catcher Class is slated for Friday, Oct. 16 from 5 to 8 p.m. with a meal provided (pre-registration is required); and the MAC will participate in the Boys & Girls Club of Maliseets’ Trunk or Treat event on Friday, Oct. 30 at the Community Center.
“Today, we pause to remember the loved ones who were taken from us – those whose lives were lost at the hands of an intimate partner or family member,” Cathy St. John, director of the Maliseet Advocacy Center, said. “They were not statistics. They were people we loved. They were mothers and fathers, daughters and sons, brothers and sisters, friends, neighbors and cherished members of our communities.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than one in three women and one in six men have experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime. Every day, advocates and local domestic violence programs are there to help.
Abuse can be emotional or financial, leaving the person feeling trapped, with nowhere to go. Four out of five Native American women experience violence in their lives, according to a report by the National Congress of American Indians.
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 to both native and non-native individuals.
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 mission of the Maliseet Advocacy Center is to effect change within the tribal community, where equality, respect and nonviolence become cornerstones of all relationships.
The center has a confidential 24-hour crisis line at 207-532-6401 to offer support to any tribal member experiencing abuse.
