Domestic Violence Resources
IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW MAY BE EXPERIENCING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, CALL MAINE’S FREE AND CONFIDENTIAL DOMESTIC ABUSE HELPLINE AT: 1-866-834-HELP, AVAILABLE 24/7 (DEAF OR HARD OF HEARING: 1-800-437-1220). INTERPRETER SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE. THE HELPLINE IS FREE, CONFIDENTIAL, AND AVAILABLE 24/7.
Domestic violence is a pattern of control, which can be physical, emotional, financial, sexual, or spiritual. It affects us all, and all of us must be part of the solution. As faith communities, there is a lot we can do to break the silence and raise awareness, including:
- Connecting with your local Domestic Violence Resource Center to learn more about available resources and how to participate in DVAM activities in your community.
- Participating in #PurpleThursday! Wear purple on October 20th to show your support for survivors and for ending violence.
- Learning more about the intersection of domestic abuse and faith
From your church’s denomination (many of these offer worship resources including sample sermons):
- United Methodist: https://www.umcjustice.org/what-we-care-about/women-and-children/domestic-violence
- Presbyterian Church (USA): https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/phewa/padvn/
- United Church of Christ: https://www.ucc.org/justice_womens-issues_domestic-violence/
- Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: http://support.elca.org/site/MessageViewer?current=true&em_id=4026.0
- Episcopal Church: https://www.episcopalchurch.org/globalpartnerships/not-in-our-pews/
- Unitarian Universalist Association: https://www.uua.org/international/blog/pandemic-intimate-partner-violence and https://www.uua.org/worship/words/litany/litany-sufferers-domestic-abuse-2
- Religious Society of Friends: https://www.fcnl.org/updates/2020-09/help-recognize-domestic-violence-awareness-month-october
Purchase copies of “Keeping the Faith” by Marie Fortune to keep on hand in the minister’s study, church library, and women’s restrooms: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/keeping-the-faith-marie-m-fortune?variant=32207952543778
- Sharing information about the Liberation Fund, which provides survivors with immediate access to services and resources that will help them establish a life free from abuse.
- The Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence (MCEDV) seeks to create and encourage a social, political, and economic environment that fosters communities where the diversity, dignity, and contributions of all are respected and celebrated, and domestic abuse and violence no longer exist. MCEDV serves and supports Maine’s Domestic Violence Resource Centers, helping them do the very best work they can for survivors of abuse. MCEDV also provides support for state level partners as they respond toa abuse, works to inform the public’s understanding of domestic violence, and advocate for policies that will hold abusive people accountable. Learn more at: www.mcedv.org. (Facebook, Linkedin, Instagram)
- Located throughout Maine, Domestic Violence Resource Centers provide support and advocacy services to survivors of domestic violence and their families.
- Downloadable resources about domestic abuse, available services, and how to support survivors can be found here.
