Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2024

Thank you to everyone who took action in October. There is plenty to do to help survivors year round. Please see the Get Involved section below and follow us on social media for more opportunities as they arise!

About Domestic Violence Awareness Month

It’s October. You know what that means, right? Pumpkins, apples, and Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Partners for Peace asks you to join us for a month full of opportunities to spread awareness and take action to support survivors of domestic violence. Each October, communities across the nation join together to recognize the prevalence of domestic violence and honor those who have been affected by violence with vigils, walks, and other awareness-raising activities. DVAM was first recognized in October of 1987. To learn more about the history of DVAM, check out this infographic.

 

Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2024

We are looking forward to connecting with our survivors and our community this October. Partners for Peace staff, volunteers and board members will be tabling, speaking, and engaging with folx all throughout our region. We have several opportunities for you to get involved in the action!

Get Involved

  1. Donate online or by mailing a check to to Partners for Peace so that we can continue to do all of our great work with survivors year round!
  2. Host a fundraiser or donation drive. Learn more about how to host a successful campaign with this Fundraising for Partners for Peace Info Sheet. If you are planning on coordinating a donation drive of physical items, please refer to our Wish List with details of what we can and can’t accept.
  3. Follow along and engage with us throughout the month on Facebook and Instagram (@partnersforpeace). Share our posts and your support. Use the hashtag: #DVAM2024
  4. Show up! Come to one of our events listed below!

Wear Purple Day

October 17th is Wear Purple Day! Purple is the awareness color of domestic violence. Coordinate a Wear Purple Day on your own or with your friends, family, or coworkers. Take a pic and post it on social media. Don’t forget to tag us!

 

University of Maine March Against Domestic Violence, October 18th, 5:00PM

This public annual event is organized by the UMaine Business Corps. Meet at the Fogler Library steps and march into the Field House where there will be speakers, resources, and a remembrance ceremony for those we’ve lost to domestic violence over the past year. Any questions can be directed to Nory Jones at njones@maine.edu.

 

Partners for Peace Family Movie Day at Center Theatre, October 26th, 3:00PM

On October 26th, we are teaming up with the Center Theatre in Dover-Foxcroft for a FREE family friendly showing of Hotel Transylvania. Get your (free) ticket today here!

Prizes for the best Halloween Costumes and there will be fun kids activities before the showing. Kids under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Please refer to the Family Movie Day Event Flyer and the Facebook Event Page for more details.

Thank you to our Event Sponsor, Pleasant River Lumber Co.!

 

Candlelight Vigil for Virginia Cookson and Domestic Violence Homicide Victims

Partners for Peace is planning a Candlelight Vigil for Virginia Cookson and all domestic violence homicide victims on Tuesday, October 29th, 5:00-6:00PM at Cascade Park in Bangor. Please see the October 29th Vigil Event Flyer or Facebook Event for details.
There will be resources and support available before the event from 4:00-5:00PM. The Candlelight Vigil program will begin promptly at 5:00PM at Cascade Park. The program will include speakers from surviving family members and a remembrance ceremony for Virginia and domestic violence homicide victims.
Attendees are encouraged to wear purple for domestic violence awareness and to bring flowers for the memorial. All are welcome. Parking is available at the Park or at Eastern Maine Medical Center.

 

Lawmakers Info Sessions

Candidates and Legislators:  Please join Partners for Peace, the domestic violence resource center serving your constituents, and the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence for one of our informational sessions about our work with survivors.

October 21st, Bangor Public Library Community Room, 4:00-5:30PM

*Please refer to the Event Flyer for details about the session and don’t forget to RSVP!

October 28th, PFP Dover-Foxcroft Office (8 Mechanic St.), 4:00-5:30PM

*Please refer to the Event Flyer for details about the session and don’t forget to RSVP!

“A Better Man” Film Screening & Panel Discussion

Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence in partnership with Partners for Peace and the other member domestic violence resource centers are hosting two online screenings of the film “A Better Man.”
October 22nd, 2PM – 4PM
October 23rd, 5:30PM – 7:30PM
MCEDV will host and facilitate a virtual film screening of “A Better Man”, by Attiya Khan and Lawrence Jackman. The film will run for one hour and fifteen minutes and will be followed by a 30-minute panel discussion. Panelists are Missy Fairfield of NextStep Domestic Violence Project, Zach Griffith of Safe Voices, and Sydney Rowe of Maine Veterans Affairs, facilitated and moderated by Karen Wyman of MCEDV.
Illuminating a new paradigm for domestic-violence prevention, A Better Man offers a fresh and nuanced look at the healing and revelation that can happen for everyone involved when men take responsibility for their abuse. It also empowers audience members to play new roles in challenging domestic violence, whether it’s in their own relationships or as part of a broader movement for social change.

 

This October, there are so many ways to take action against domestic violence and we hope you will join us. If you have any questions about any of our events or how you can get involved, please email us at partnersforpeaceme@partnersforpeaceme.org.

We hope you will join us in spreading awareness and taking action this October!