The Next Step Blog

Domestic Violence and the Holidays

2011-11-17T06:08:00.000-08:00

The holiday season is a time loaded with family tradition. This can be a very joyous fact, or a very difficult one. We all know that one holiday season can be filled with joy and excitement while just one year later a change in health, finances, or family circumstances can make the exact same personal and familial rituals seem very sad. When a family experiences change due to domestic or “intimate partner” violence, it can make for a difficult holiday season.

Families or individuals who come to The Next Step Domestic Violence Project during the holidays may be facing a hard season due to the following events:

Though often suffering abuse for years, the adult victim has set boundaries during the past year which are felt very sharply during the holiday season. For instance, there may be a protection from abuse order in effect which extended family did not even notice until they face making holiday plans which do not include the defendant on the order. They may experience guilt and/or pressure from this person, which they may unintentionally pass on to the adult victim or the kids.

After the parents of common children split up due to domestic violence, custody of children may be very fraught with conflict or still up in the air and confusing. Making holiday plans is twice as stressful as it is for families not facing this issue (and every family seems to find it stressful enough!). The primary custody of the children could even have been awarded to the controlling parent during the past year. In this case the other parent feels the sharp pain of separation from children during holidays.

The finances and living circumstance of one or both parents may be very different than they have been in previous years, adding to the pressure parents feel to not disappoint children. Children may also be confused, stressed, or disappointed by these sometimes very extreme changes.

If domestic violence has been at a high enough risk, children may be staying with other family members or in foster homes. The holiday season emphasizes family connection and tradition, which makes it a particularly hard time of year for kids, parents, and extended family to adjust.

Single adults who recently made a major change in a primary relationship (like breaking up with an abusive partner) also feel the dissonance between their loneliness and what we all hope for during the holiday season.

Even victims of domestic violence who are older and have adult children feel these pressures to “not rock the boat” during holiday family gatherings. In fact it can be even more difficult for people who have been quietly sacrificing themselves, making it work in an abusive situation for decades. When they “suddenly” set boundaries that interfere with holiday plans they tend to get more guilt and pressure than the abusive partner does from unknowing relatives.

The holidays are often times when controlling people “escalate” or worsen their tactics because they are very aware that the people they seek to control and manipulate are vulnerable during these times. This applies to all holidays (birthdays, mother’s or father’s day, etc.) but the winter holiday season is very powerful due to how pervasive it is in our culture. Unlike a birthday or even Mother’s or Father’s Day, everyone seems to be celebrating this time of year and there is no escape from this message.

For families that are still together with the abuser during the holidays, victim parents feel a great deal of pressure to “hold everything together” and make the holidays good for their families.

New pets may be added to families during the holidays as well. Abusers use animals as leverage to control other household members by threatening to neglect, abandon, or abuse the pets if family members do not comply. Even if pets are not being directly abused the addition of animals makes it that much harder for victim parents to find housing and move while keeping the family pet safe.

These are only a few examples of how complicated the holidays can be for families and single adults of every age who have been affected by domestic violence. As advocates we need to remember that holidays may require extra self-care and personal safety planning. This applies to the risk not only of abuser escalation but also to our awareness of the emotional impact the holiday season can have.

To end on a positive note, I would add that the Holidays can return to the place where they are joyous and exciting for the people we serve. Many survivors of domestic violence get to the place in their journey with us where they are able to express pride and gratitude that they are able to have truly happy holidays for themselves and their families for perhaps the first time. Allowing parents to provide gifts for their children is a valuable contribution of our Christmas program. So is urging both parents and single adults to consider their own needs and recognize their own value during the holidays.

Please see our website at www.nextstepdvproject to view our Holiday Giving forms. You can also follow us on facebook to see updates and requests pertaining to the holiday season. Thanks!

bell ringing

2011-09-08T13:02:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, August 31 at 12pm, bells rang in our communities to express this frustration and loss. They also rallied us to a future where we seek to learn from our collective experiences and losses.

The Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence (MCEDV) and its member organizations around the state partnered with churches and community members to take both symbolic and literal action against the disempowerment and silence so key to relational abuse. At noon on the 31st church bells rang – one minute to mourn our loss and one minute to call us to action.

“The bell ringing is a symbol of healing and action. People need to remember, and they also are looking for ways to make positive change in their own communities,” stated Margo Batsie, Member Services Coordinator at MCEDV, “We are encouraging people to reach out for help if they or someone they care about is in an abusive relationship. There are trained advocates ready to answer the call 24/7 across Maine.”

The bell ringing was, above all else, an opportunity to do something. As Julia Colpitts, the Director of the MCEDV said, “Most of us do not harm our loved ones — however we are more and more aware of the social, economic and human cost of domestic violence for us all. In our small, tight-knit Maine community we are never more than one relationship away from someone harmed by domestic abuse. We invite Maine’s silent majority to join their voices with ours, to speak out and take action. Simple actions can join us together in community and have surprisingly powerful outcomes.”

Statewide helpline: 1-866-834-HELP
Next Step 24 hour hotline: 1-800-315-5579

Volunteers Build Us a Fence

2011-09-08T12:21:00.000-07:00

Ever since we got the building for our drop-in center in Ellsworth, the people we serve have been asking for a privacy fence. It increases peace of mind and safety to know that cars cannot be so easily spotted by those driving by on highway 1A. It took us a few years but now we have the fence thanks to volunteer efforts and contributions headed up by Sandra Bowden and the Ellsworth Elks Lodge. Kevin Tesseo at the Ellsworth Darling's Auto Mall also pitched in (which is not at all unusual for the great folks at Darling's). Kevin sent a Darling's truck to transport lumber and some great Darling's folks also showed up to work! We really thanks these two great community supports and all the others who made the fence financially and physically possible.

Anniversary of a sad event

2010-01-26T10:49:00.000-08:00

On the anniversary of a sad event, next step staff in Machias managed to create a beautiful and touching memorial. On Feb. 23 staff (led by volunteer coordinator Carrie Callahan) worked with the family of Katie Cabana to commemorate the sad passing of another year since Katie and her friend Aaron Settipani were murdered by Richard Widdecombe Jr. in Marshfield, Maine.

The "Silent Witness" that represents Katie Cabana was unveiled at this event which was held at the Performing Arts Center of U Maine, Machias. Several other Silent Witnesses were displayed as well. The Silent Witness Initiative is a national endeavor in which female victims of domestic violence homicides are represented by lifesized, red sillouettes. The witnesses may be displayed in a variety of community settings in order to educate the public about the reality and the impact of domestic violence homicides. Information about the Silent Witnesses is available on their website: http://www.silentwitness.net/index.htm

* pictures by Darlene Donahue

Ladies in Red

2009-04-24T06:46:00.000-07:00

okay so it's not just a tacky eighties song. on April 22 thousands of Mainers showed up at the Augusta Civic Center to testify for or against LD 1020, Maine's latest attempt at a marriage equality/religious freedom law: "An Act To End Discrimination in Civil Marriage and Affirm Religious Freedom."

The mainstream media is doing a lot of work to make it sound like there was fairly equal attendance at this hearing for some reason but as an attendee I my impression was that the overwhelming majority of the people at the civic center were in support of marriage equality. I can say this because the organizers had supporters of the bill wear red (or they gave them red at the door) and, as you can see from my pictures (tho the pictures don't do it justice) there was a predominance of red. The anti LD 1020 speakers even defended their numbers by asserting that "most" of the supporters of the bill were brought in from other states (because there is no way that many MAINERS support civil rights).

It was a rule at this particular event that no one could bring signs in. Not many people seemed to have brought signs but the ones who did propped them up on walls and bushes outside. Here are a couple examples of both pro and anti LD 1020 signs.

As for the voting, that is yet to come. We will just have to wait and see whether marriage equality has come to Maine.

Next Step goes to D.C.

2008-09-17T05:53:00.000-07:00

Well, Laurie and I (Leslie) braved the wilds of D.C. to attend the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) annual conference. It was quite a trip!

As usual with a big conference like that, it was pretty overwhelming. We struggled to pick daily workshops from a program as thick as the Sears Catalog. I went to several good ones. Here's a sample:

* A teen dating abuse peer education group from the Bronx showed us their video
* A documentary about the history of the domestic violence movement was screened for us (very good!)
* Two advocates from different DV agencies in San Francisco (one serving primarily Asian women and one serving primarily the GLBTQ community) talked collaboratively about challenging sexim, heterosexism, and racism at our agencies when it occurs amongst clients OR amongst staff.
* Staff from Amnesty International and the DOJ talked about the IVAWA (International Violence Against Women Act) - what it will do and why we should lobby for it
* Advocates from the US Women hotline, who specialize in US women who are being abused by their partner and are in other countries (due to marrying abroad or being held hostage during a holiday, etc.) & need legal advocacy across international jurisdictions.

Wow! It was a lot. And then we took a whole day to go to the Capitol as state groups (so we Mainers went together) to thank our reps and to lobby for full re-funding of VAWA. We Mainers had it easier than some other state groups because our reps all have great voting records in regards to VAWA. So the worst we faced were our Biblical-level blisters and shin-splints after racing all over Capitol Hill all day, from building to building and meeting to meeting in NOT SENSIBLE SHOES. But it was a great experience (I can say now that my feet have healed)!

Plus I have to admit we did a fair amount of sight seeing, including several buildings at the Smithsonian (the Native American Museum is great) plus the National Art Gallery and the National Zoo.

All in all, we were very glad to get home but it was a very good trip. Thanks again, NCADV!

ljl

Oasis Cafe in Deer Isle a Success

2008-07-07T06:27:00.000-07:00

The Islanders Against Domestic Abuse (IADA) had another fun and successful fundraiser at the Deer Isle 4th of July parade. I haven't heard the final earnings yet, but they always work hard and do well.

My mom and I were also present in our traditional role as water salespeople by the side of the road. We had a great view of the parade and nice weather to keep from baking in.

Thanks IADA!

ljl

Victory and Many Thanks!

2008-06-25T05:47:00.000-07:00

Thanks to great support from the community (principals, law enforcement, business owners, bus drivers, and politicians to name but a few) the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence (all the member projects) received full funding restoration in regards to the early spring "budget crisis."

Survivors who went with us on our schoolbus to the statehouse and gave powerful testimony about the realities of dv and the need for services did much to convince Maine legislators not to follow through on the huge funding cut that was proposed for the MCEDV.

With fuel prices and other economic stresses increasing more than decreasing, it is certain that funding for all social services will remain at risk in the coming months. While we must remain vigilant, we are also very grateful for the swell of support we have recently received.

THANK YOU ALL!

ljl

Letters from Senator Raye

2008-03-19T06:55:00.000-07:00

Hi Laurie,

From my conversations with members of the Appropriations Committee, I believe they are strongly inclined to accept our recommendation to restore domestic violence funding. The testimony at last week’s hearing was extremely compelling, and is still fresh in their minds.

It also makes a very strong statement that the HHS Committee was unanimous in rejecting the draconian cuts proposed by Governor Baldacci. We believe the Governor’s proposal would have devastated efforts to combat domestic violence and protect those who seek to escape it. That unanimous rejection – with Republicans and Democrats both voting to restore funding – is a powerful message to the Appropriations Committee.

I am at home in Washington County and in contact by phone with appropriators today. I will be returning to Augusta to check in with the Appropriations Committee on Sunday.

All the best,
Kevin

Hi Leslie,

Just wanted to update you on where things stand.

As the ranking Republican Senator on the Health and Human Services Committee, it became clear to me that Governor Baldacci’s proposed cuts to domestic violence programs were far too deep and would have a devastating impact on efforts to combat domestic violence and assist those who are victimized by it.

As a result, the HHS Committee voted unanimously to reject the Governor’s proposals in this area. I’m hopeful the Appropriations Committee will follow our lead.

All the best,
Kevin Raye

Senator Kevin L. Raye 63 Sunset Cove Lane Perry, Maine 04667 tel. 207-853-9406 (home) tel. 207-287-1505 (Augusta) SenatorRaye@wwsisp.com

Letter from Senator Collins

2008-03-19T06:53:00.000-07:00

Dear Ms. Linder:

Thank you for contacting me on behalf of The Next Step Domestic Violence Project of Washington and Hancock Counties to share your support of increased funding for domestic violence programs such as those provided for by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Fund, and Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA). I appreciate your taking the time to do so, and thank you for the invaluable services that you and your organization provide to victims of domestic violence in Maine.
Women should be able to live and work without fear, and I share your support for critical programs designed to assist victims of crime and to prevent domestic violence and sexual assault. I was a cosponsor of VAWA III which was signed into law on January 5, 2006.
I am concerned that in addition to cutting funding to these programs, the President's fiscal year (FY) 2009 budget proposes consolidating all the VAWA programs through the Department of Justice budget into one competitive block grant. I do not think this is the best approach, and accordingly, in 2007 when the President also attempted to consolidate the programs, I wrote to members of the Senate Appropriations Committee requesting that they fully fund VAWA, oppose the rescinding of the remaining VOCA Funds, and reject the President=s block-grant approach for VAWA programs. Similar letters in support of these programs are currently being drafted and will be circulated soon. I will send you a copy of these letters when they are available.
Again, thank you for contacting me. I will continue to advocate for programs designed to prevent violence against women.

To the Statehouse (again)

2008-03-14T07:19:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been wild.

The Next Step, along with the eight other projects in the Maine Coaltion to End Domestic Violence (http://www.mcedv.org/) sent a donated schoolbus (thanks, Sumner!) full of activists to the appropriations committee hearings re: the TOTAL loss of state dv funds.

It was a long bus trip, even with our paralegal, Missy, baking great chocolate chip cookies. The heat was not on in the bus and most of us could not feel our toes by the time we got to the capitol.

Inside, we were told to put on name tags and collect "talking points" (little printed bits of info that we wanted the politicians to know about our services and why to keep them) -- then we were to proceed to the Hall of Flags and have a "rally" in the presence of our state rep.s.

Well, we got in the door and basically became bits of seaweed on top of a huge, angry ocean of protestors. We did manage to collect dv badges to wear, but there was no such thing as an orderly procession to anywhere. I can only describe the entire three plus floors of the State House as a slightly hippie-esque mosh pit. We were packed onto every floorspace so tight that people's badges were getting stuck to fellow protestor's backs, butts and legs from squeezing between point A and point B. Very few people even heard the rally, but everyone chanted and screamed a lot.

The Statehouse security guards were beside themselves (and so were they). Cops kept wading through us and the one near us kept yelling (to a distinctly gender-MIXED throng, might I add): "WE NEED A PATH! WE NEED A PATH HERE, LADIES...!" During the actual rally, security swam to the mike and announced that the crowds were a security risk and the building would be closed if some of us didn't go to an auxiliary building and listen through speakers. The crowd around the mike responded to his rather tactlessly churlish tone by chanting, "CLOSE IT DOWN! CLOSE IT DOWN!" But we fortunately avoided that. I was too packed in to notice, but apparently some people who were nearer to doors did go to the auxiliary building and avert the crisis.

Speeches were made, testimony was given, hands were shaken and politicians were rattled. Now it is breath-holding time. If you have not written to your state representatives about these dv cuts, it is not too late to do so.

MAINE CAN DO BETTER!

proposed TOTAL budget cuts for domestic violence in Maine

2008-03-14T07:11:00.000-07:00

Well, we have had a bad month. Gov. Baldacci's change package re: balancing the Maine State budget included TOTAL state funding cuts for domestic violence...resulting in over 1 million dollars lost. The Next Step stands to lose over $200,000, which is over a third of our total yearly budget. This, even on its own, means office closures, lay-offs, and curtailment of survices. This state cut, if combined with federal threats to VAWA, VOCA, and other major funds for female crime victims, could be fatal to The Next Step.

Information about the public hearings for this change package will follow. If you are a Mainer, please understand that this is not rhetoric. Free services for victims of domestic violence in Maine are at serious risk. Please contact your state representatives immediately. http://www.maine.gov/ has a search base through which you can access information about your rep.s.

Please don't let this happen to Maine!

Peer Resolution Team at Deer Isle/Stonington Elementary

2007-04-17T08:09:00.000-07:00

Wow! The High School peer educators did a great job in working with Bobbie and I to present healthy/unhealthy relationships material to all the 7th and 8th graders in their community! Awesome!

In the early morning, we all could have used a bit more caffiene.

The peer educators took their classes through all the standard material, including a brainstorm list of healthy/unhealthy traits, the teen power and control wheel (with "red flag" scenarios) and then everybody's fave, the purple ribbon exercise.

In this, a volunteer is wrapped in the purple ribbon, which is symbolic of a relationship that s/he entered into happily, but then power/control stuff stuff starts to happen. The volunteer is wrapped up as the class lists unhealthy/controling tactics. Then they process how it isn't so easy to break up even if the person wants to because s/he is so "tangled up." Then the class brainstorms ways to help a friend as the volunteer is unwrapped. Despite the occasional silly answers, this is a very popular and very effective exercise. The peer educators led it really well!

Thanks to all for a great and very productive morning. :) ljl

SODA at Deer Isle/Stonington High

2007-04-10T07:01:00.000-07:00

SODA Student Opposed to Dating Abuse by Bobbie Palmer, Victim's Advocate, Downeast Sexual Assault

Tuesday, April 3 members of The SODA (Students Opposed to Dating Abuse) peer education group braved the snow and traveled to Deer Isle Stonington High School to present for the entire student body.

The students focused on healthy relationships/consent and coercion. The presentation included several interactive activities that required participation from the DIS Students.

Brandon began the presentation by brainstorming with the students healthy vs. unhealthy relationships. Tasha followed by facilitating an activity that involved wrapping a student in ribbon and talked about unhealthy behaviors and how students can help friends who might find themselves in an unhealthy relationship. Morgan and Nichole closed by discussing consent and coercion that included a skit. The SODA kids were incredibly well received by students and faculty. The DIS students asked great questions, had good conversation, gave helpful feed back, and had a few laughs throughout the presentation.

SODA inspired the DIS Civil Rights Team to begin presenting to the Deer Isle Stonington student body and the Deer Isle Stonington Elementary School. Downeast Sexual Assault Services and The Next Step are exceedingly proud of the SODA students and the work they are doing and we look forward to working with them in the future.

The peace seedlings

2007-03-28T09:41:00.000-07:00

We have an exciting new peer group happening with 6, 7, and 8 graders at Lamoine Elementary. Their first project was to decorate plant pots for our charity auction (held in May).

As a result of this project, they elected to be called the "Seeds of Peace" group. They may change that as we move on, though.

Our next task is to design a puppet show for younger students and a presentation about bullying/teasing. :)

Next Step staff who were on hand to see the pots were very pleased by the contribution.

Celebrating the Small Things

2007-03-28T07:04:00.000-07:00

While the first official day of spring was followed by snow and cold weather, I am sitting in my office today with the window open. It's still not quite 40 degrees outside, but the breeze and fresh air are a welcome change. And for a few minutes, I feel the need to reflect and be grateful for the small things.

I am grateful for my job in rural Maine, with amazing co-workers. I am grateful for my home in the Maine woods - a large empty house that offers solitude and time to reflect about what has happened in the past, and contemplate what could be my future. I am grateful for the coming spring -- even though it brings with it fund-raising events and meetings, and many new challenges, its arrival reminds me that every day begins with a fresh start. And even among the melting snow, muddy roads, and bare trees, hope exists for change, beauty, and new life.

I celebrate all these things as I sit quietly for a few minutes in a busy day.

I celebrate life.

Students Opposing Dating Abuse

2007-03-21T10:46:00.000-07:00

The peer educator group for Ellsworth High, who call themselves SODA (Students Opposing Dating Abuse) had their day-long meeting, yesterday. They reviewed their goals for the year and also practiced the interactive presentation pieces that they co-facilitate in area schools.

The group also discussed doing a project for Sexual Assault Awareness Month (April) and for the MYAN conference (Maine Youth Action Network) in the fall. They decided to do a film project which is part play and part hallway-intereviews. The theater-program members are just savvy enough to pull it off! The script also included use of the new national live-chat helpline for teens (www.loveisrespect.org).

Of course, group work is group work. Food remains our primary recruiting tool. :)

Here we come a-lobbying...

2007-03-16T13:25:00.000-07:00

The Next Step Ellsworth staff headed to Augusta for the MCEDV Legislative Roll-Out Press Conference. Three new bills aimed at making it easier to combat domestic violence were announced.
Better laws AND better funding? Who wouldn't be smiling? (ok, other than batterers and their attorneys)

The Clothesline Project

2007-03-16T13:13:00.001-07:00

The shirts on The Clothesline Project represent victims and survivors of domestic abuse.

For information about the project and meanings of the colors of each shirt, please visit http://dvam.vawnet.org/campaigns/clothes.php

Empty Place at the Table

2007-03-16T13:01:00.000-07:00

For information about how and why An Empty Place at the Table began, please visit
http://dvam.vawnet.org/campaigns/emptyplace.pdf

The Maine Silent Witness Project

2007-03-16T12:51:00.000-07:00

For information about the Silent Witness Project, please visit http://www.silentwitness.net/

Clothesline Project

2007-03-16T12:47:00.000-07:00

national teen dating abuse helpline

2007-02-12T07:48:00.000-08:00

yay! looks like they are up and running. check www.loveisrespect.org

“If teens are not turning to their parents for help, it is essential that they have a private outlet where they can discuss their fears with someone who will provide immediate assistance” said Sheryl Cates, chief executive officer of the National Domestic Violence Hotline and the Texas Council on Family Violence. “This helpline and website were designed exclusively for teens so they can speak to a peer or an adult advocate anonymously and confidentially.”

Noah's Animal House in Las Vegas: Domestic Violence and Pets

2006-11-09T07:17:00.000-08:00

VERY COOL LINK! Check out http://www.noahsanimalhouse.org/press_release_1.htm for more info and resources.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 25, 2005
SHADE TREE SHELTER HIGHLIGHTS CONNECTION BETWEEN ANIMAL CRUELTY AND FAMILY VIOLENCE WITH NOAH’S ANIMAL HOUSE

Las Vegas, NV—In violent homes, pets are commonly abused by batterers in order to threaten and intimidate children, spouses, significant others, or elderly family members. Animal abuse can also be a predictor of a violent home.
Because domestic abuse shelters generally cannot accept pets, victims of family violence often stay in a dangerous situation out of fear for the safety of their pets. Unfortunately, this fear is well founded. All too often, batterers punish victims for leaving by abusing or killing their pets.
That’s why Shade Tree Shelter is adding a new service to the facility. Noah’s Animal House will provide temporary housing for family pets for their resident clients. What’s unique about Noah’s Animal House is that the facility will be built on the grounds of Shade Tree, a departure from most of the country’s pet safe haven programs, in which family pets must be sheltered away from their companions in veterinary clinics or animal shelters.
“We’re so excited about Noah’s Animal House,” said Brenda Dizon, Shade Tree’s Executive Director. “If a single battered family is able to leave sooner because they can now bring Fido or Fluffy with them to Shade Tree, we’ve been successful.”
Dizon also noted that the shelter is certain their clients will more easily adjust to their new environment if they’re able to keep the family together--including pets--while in the transitional programs Shade Tree provides.
“I’m convinced that Noah’s Animal House will save lives,” said Staci Columbo, a Shade Tree board member and volunteer. “It is our hope NAH will become a model for the sheltering of domestic violence victims together with their companion pets across the country.”
Shade Tree’s next step is to raise awareness—and funds—for the facility, which will be built entirely from charitable donation.
Although some businesses have stepped in with large cash donations, more is needed. Columbo said it is important to raise awareness of the project among local residents and businesses in the hope that some will wish to donate additional funds, volunteer time, or services to see the facility is built.
For information on how to help Shade Tree build Noah’s Animal House, contact either Staci Columbo at 221-6933 or Brenda Dizon at 385-0072 extension 101.

New Playground

2006-10-24T07:57:00.000-07:00

We now have a playground area behind the Hancock County Transitional apartments. Thanks again to Newland Nursery and to the volunteers who came in on weekends to put this neat stuff together!

Newland Nursery and other volunteers

2006-10-24T07:37:00.000-07:00

The volunteers (especially from our board) who worked on the playground did a really great job! Thanks also to the guys from Newland Nursery, who brought their professional expertise to the project. It looks great!

http://www.newlandnursery.com/

good view of the playground feature

2006-10-24T07:34:00.000-07:00

This thing looks really cool. Great job, builders!

WNSX Radio

2006-10-24T07:11:00.000-07:00

WNSX, FM 97.7 radio was kind enough to broadcast from the pet show event. They helped to raise awareness of animal welfare and domestic violence issues. :)

Hancock County SPCA

2006-10-24T07:07:00.000-07:00

The Hancock County SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) supported our event -- and took on the difficult job of helping to judge the pet show. Thanks again!

http://www.spcahancockcounty.org/

the ark shelter

2006-10-24T06:52:00.000-07:00

The Ark is a no-kill shelter that does great work in our area. They were kind enough to support this event, and help judge the pet show!

http://www.thearkpets.org/

kitty, kitty

2006-10-24T06:49:00.000-07:00

one of only two feline entries -- but more than cute enough to do the job.

auxilliary power

2006-10-24T06:39:00.000-07:00

Whoa, boy! I need a hug.

got the goat

2006-10-24T06:35:00.000-07:00

two stars of the show -- for obvious reasons.

more pet show pics

2006-10-23T12:56:00.000-07:00

ah, but there's more! go figure - I had to stop and do direct service with victims for a few hours. :0

Here, the Lamoine Cheerleaders that ran our little-kid games give the bouncy-house an early-morning "road test." No flips, girls! ;)

And also thanks to Leslie for this cool blog!

2006-10-23T11:33:00.000-07:00

Hey, did you know that two minutes ago was the first time I've ever blogged? (Is that really a verb?)

Maybe there's some hope for me.......(doubtful, since I still can't make those little smiley faces in my emails.)

Thanks to Kelly for such an awesome event!

2006-10-23T11:31:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I wasn't actually AT the awesome event, but I heard it was GREAT! I know Kelly worked really hard on this, so big thanks to her!!!!!

(I can't believe I missed the chance to see a dog dressed up like Bat Dog!!!)

it's raining, it's monday..

2006-10-23T11:26:00.000-07:00

we have a new assistant director...his name is Mark, he seems very nice and we're all hoping that his tenure here is excellent and LONG!! I can hear a client down the hall giving her story to one of our advocates...they're working on a protection order...I hope she gets it...but then I think that anyone who truly feels they NEED an order should get one, no matter what...I know it doesn't quite work that way as it's an impartial JUDGE who makes the ultimate decision...kind of a life or death discission I'm thinking....at least it could be. There was a report on the news this weekend reqarding a police officer in New Hampshire being killed by an abuser when he was called out to investigate a "domestic". I know police officers put everything on the line every day they put on the badge and go into the community but, after hearing lots of bad stories, and after knowning about some very bad dudes both in Hancock and Washington counties, I'm very afraid that one of our Maine "men in blue" could be next....scary...very scary. That's all from a rainy afternoon in Maine...a very "sleepy" kind of afternoon...I really, really just need a NAP!!

super dog!

2006-10-23T10:27:00.000-07:00

wait -- get my good side.

I wish I'd remembered my coat

2006-10-23T10:09:00.000-07:00

Ah...does anyone else feel a draft in here?

the bouncy house bouncer

2006-10-23T09:53:00.000-07:00

Tasha, one of our peer educator colleagues from SODA (Students Opposing Dating Abuse) at Ellsworth High, was kind enough to do a turn as the bouncy-house-bouncer. i.e. helping people in and keeping them from doing flips on one another's heads...that sort of thing. Thanks, Tasha!

animal welfare

2006-10-23T09:41:00.000-07:00

We had our Pumpkin Patch Pet Show and Family Fun Day (or something -- I don't have the flier in front of me) this past Saturday. It was great! There were cute animals, cute kids, a bouncy house, and PIZZA! Where is the bad?

The fair was to highlight recent domestic violence/animal welfare legislation that passed in Maine -- thanks in no small part to the testimony of our friend and board member, Sue Walsh. Check this link to learn more about the legislation:

http://www.all-creatures.org/adow/art-20060411.html

And you can see Sue in the picture -- on duty at our animal welfare table at the pet show. Yay, Sue! :)

The Purple Pages

2006-10-19T13:21:00.001-07:00

Well, here we go. Welcome to the blog-log of life at The Next Step - a domestic violence prevention project in rural Maine. Check our website at www.nextstepdvproject.org for more details.

Peace! :) leslie joan linder

PS: It is awareness month, and we got some op-eds in local pictures. Check it out while the links last at:

http://bangordailynews.com/news/t/viewpoints.aspx?articleid=141287&zoneid=35

and:

http://ellsworthmaine.com/site/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4400&Itemid=46