Quick Action
Trump's #FakeEmergency attempts to snatch Congress's power of the purse, funding from military construction projects, and citizens' private land, despite evidence that no emergency exists. Both the House and Senate have passed a bill to repeal the emergency declaration. Thank our Maine MoC for voting to uphold Congress's constitutional authority, and ask them to urge more fellow legislators to join them in overriding Trump's expected veto.
PREVENTION OF GUN VIOLENCE & VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN WORKING GROUP AND MAINE COALITION TO END DOMESTIC VIOLENCE C2A
THE ISSUE
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have experienced domestic violence in their lifetime. More than 1 in 5 women who’ve experienced domestic violence are assaulted for the first time between the ages of 11 and 17 years. Nearly half of all of homicides in Maine in 2016 were related to domestic violence, one of the highest rates in the country. According to a 2017 report from Maine’s Permanent Commission on the Status of Women, a domestic violence assault is reported every 1 hour and 47 minutes. The true rate is likely much higher, as officials say only about half of all assaults are actually reported to police. In 2015, MCEDV’s hotline received nearly 36,000 calls and more than 13,000 adults and children used their services through MCEDV and the coalition’s 9 member regional domestic violence resource centers.
MONTH-LONG ACTION MENU
Do your part to reduce domestic violence by participating in a number of actions sponsored by MCEDV through its “Turn awareness into action” campaign:
- Join MCEDV’s “I Take Action Because…” social media campaign to help turn awareness into action. Step 1: Print this PDF and write your reason for acting to end domestic abuse and violence. Step 2: Snap a photo and post it Facebook (and Instagram – we are @mcedv1977). Step 3: Tag MCEDV in your post, and use the hashtags #TakeActionMaineand #DVAMinME17.
- Share this Daughters of Change video to promote Maine’s 24-hour help line for survivors of domestic violence and dating violence.
- Add a purple ribbon frame to your Facebook profile photo for the month of October to help raise awareness about domestic violence.
- Attend an event near you, hosted by MCEDV members during October:
AROOSTOOK (Hope & Justice Project)
OCT. 13: Walk It Up, Presque Isle!PENOBSCOT AND PISCATAQUIS (Partners for Peace)
OCT. 11: Lincoln Walks to End Abuse
OCT 12: Domestic Violence 101 – in Dover Foxcroft
OCT 18: Bangor Walks to End AbuseWALDO, KNOX, LINCOLN & SAGADAHOC (New Hope for Women)
OCT. 14: KnitMaine-ia Fashion Show – in BelfastSOMERSET AND KENNEBEC (Family Violence Project)
OCT 12: Candlelight Vigil & Speakout – in Skowhegan
OCT 14: Race To End Domestic Violence – in Hinckley
OCT 25: Brush and Brew to Benefit the Family Violence Shelter – in MadisonOXFORD, FRANKLIN, AND ANDROSCOGGIN (Safe Voices)
OCT 18: River Valley Walk to End Domestic Violence – in RumfordCUMBERLAND (Family Crisis Services)
ALL MONTH: Town & Country Federal Credit Union Better Neighbor FundYORK (Caring Unlimited)
OCT 14: Mini Photo Session Fundraiser – in Kennebunk
OCT 19: Survivor Stories Project – in Biddeford
Suit Up Maine is an independent, all-volunteer grassroots progressive group that seeks to build a more informed and engaged electorate in Maine. Founded in 2016, Suit Up Maine is run by and for Mainers, and is not engaged in fundraising of any kind. Representing thousands of constituents across Maine’s 16 counties, Suit Up Maine raises awareness of and advocates for policies and legislation that promote equity and equality in civil rights, social justice, health care, the environment, education, the economy, and other areas that affect the lives of all people. Suit Up Maine is beholden to issues and action, not parties or politicians.
