For 40 years, from 1978-2018, the communities of Kennebec and Somerset counties have joined with Family Violence Project to increase safety for victims of abuse, hold perpetrators accountable, and build effective community and institutional responses to violence through education, training and collaborative initiatives.

Every single person and every business or organization with whom we have worked, has contributed to the effort in some way. And it is surely an uphill journey. If any one of us alone were to attempt to eradicate domestic violence, we would quickly become exhausted, discouraged and frustrated.

We know this is how victims often feel when they experience abuse by a partner, over time coming to believe they are solely responsible for what is happening and that they alone must find a way through it. But we also hear stories about breakthrough moments, when victims hear messages of support from co-workers, employers, teachers, nurses, police officers, parents and advocates.

We want to say thank you to our communities, to recognize the advancements we have made together, and to consider the path ahead of us. We are survivors who have moved through abuse and have set our intentions.

We are helpers, across many disciplines, recognizing a shared purpose. We are policy makers and law enforcers who perceive a more just society. We are educators and faith leaders, standing alongside and guiding those who seek growth and connection. And we are people who have come to recognize how we may have used power in relationships to control our partners or our children, or our employees and we are committed to finding a better way.

What we say and how we say it, remains with the survivor, sometimes for years after. What we believe about domestic violence comes through in our actions, and what we do makes a difference.

When we learn more about resources available for victims and then demonstrate an awareness and willingness to help, a vital link is created. We may not know, we may never know, the impact of a single act or kind word. But the person experiencing abuse knows.

Every time anyone anywhere takes a stand against domestic violence, we chip away at archaic and destructive beliefs that harm all of us.
The person who learned that controlling one’s partner is an effective relationship tool may learn to question those rules and the negative impact they are having.

Throughout 2018, Family Violence Project will continue to recognize the journey that is now 40 years along. We hope you will continue to choose to join with us and with survivors of abuse. Please let us know you are out there and share your stories of survival, of providing assistance, of learning new ways to make a difference.

Visit our website. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Give us a call. Send money, if you have it to share; financial contributions in any amount are always appreciated!

But most importantly, think well of the work to end violence. Believe in it and in those who are living through it. Believe that people can and do change.

We will see an end to domestic violence.

It will take our communities working together to make it happen.

Call us at 207-623-8637 (administrative) or 877-890-7788 (24/7 Helpline).
Visit us at familyviolenceproject.org and follow us at twitter.com/FVP40.
Also find us at facebook.com/familyviolenceproject/ and instagram.com/familyviolenceproject.

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