FREEPORT, Maine —January 14, 2010 — In an unprecedented response to the alarming issue of domestic violence in Maine, the Freeport community has banded together in a cross-collaboration of education and dialogue between local schools, teens, business leaders, parents, and nonprofits.
Freeport Community Center will host an interactive forum entitled “A Community against Domestic Violence” on January 27, 2010 beginning at 6:30 PM. Designed to spark meaningful dialogue between parents, teens, and community members to become more educated on the issues, the evening will underline the urgent need for all parents to be aware of dating and domestic violence, what can be done to end the cycle of abuse, how to get involved in prevention, and how and where victims can get help.
Featured will be a free performance of Add Verb Productions’ You the Man, a nationally touring 30-minute play that empowers both males and females to step out of the bystander role when it comes to domestic and dating violence. Following will be a community forum and panel discussion that will feature Freeport High School students who participated in Boys to Men’s Reducing Sexism and Violence Program (RSVP) training, local advocates, school faculty, parents, and community business leaders.
The community evening on January 27 is designed to augment and open to the community the prevention work currently underway among Freeport High School students. Currently, 40 Freeport students are enrolled in Boys to Men’s RSVP program, a violence prevention project aimed at empowering both male and female students to act as bystanders to effectively respond to and prevent bullying, interpersonal violence, and harassment. In addition to participating in the RSVP program, Freeport High School hosted a closed performance of You the Man on January 7, 2010 for the high school student body. The play was followed by a panel discussion facilitated by faculty and local advocates. Student-led discussions were held the following day.
Last year in Maine, nearly half of the last 24 homicides were a result of domestic violence (Maine Department of Public Safety). And teen dating abuse is increasingly common: one in three teens reporting relationship abuse and the National Teen Dating Abuse helpline has seen a staggering 600 percent increase in calls and chats since 2007 (loveisrespect.org). The Freeport community initiative kicks off National Teen Dating Violence Awareness & Prevention Week (February 2-6, 2010).
Freeport’s Community Coalition against Domestic Violence collaborating partners include: Zachau Construction; Bow Street Market; Sevee Maher Engineers; Royal Bank of Canada; Freeport Community Services; Freeport High School; Boys to Men’s Reducing Sexism and Violence Program (RSVP); Family Crisis Services’ Young Adult Abuse Prevention Program (YAAPP); Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine (SARSSM); and Add Verb Productions: Theatre for Health & Wellness Education.
“Domestic violence is prevalent in every community. Its origins are complex but it is clear that unhealthy relationships and behaviors are developed early,” said Drew Wing, the coalition’s organizer and director of business development for Zachau Construction. “We’ve got to move beyond the stigma and dangerous misconceptions surrounding domestic violence and into a conversation about bystander support and action. This event will allow the community to stand side-by-side in support of our young people and what they face.”
“The combination of these educational programs, community discussions, and dedicated partners will be a powerful impetus for changing attitudes and behavior surrounding dating and domestic violence,” said Wing.
Boys to Men’s Reducing Sexism and Violence Program (RSVP)
www.boystomen.info/RSVP.htm
Family Crisis Services’ Young Adult Abuse Prevention Program (YAAPP)
www.yaapp.org/yaapp
Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine (SARSSM)
www.sarsonline.org
