Wait! What? What is domestic violence?

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What is Wait! What?

The Oxford County Domestic Violence Task Force members have written a series of informative columns relating to domestic violence education, prevention and victim assistance in the past year. In an effort to keep the community informed and current, we wanted to reintroduce the group and this effort.

The Oxford County Domestic Violence Task Force was created in 2005 to bring together organizations serving the citizens of Oxford County affected by domestic violence.

The reality is that the more informed people are, the more apparent it is that everyone is affected in some way by domestic violence. Most everyone knows someone who has lived in a home or been in a relationship where one person has chosen to use controlling/abusive behaviors with their partner.

Our goal is to continue to provide a coordinated community response to victims and their families by enhancing community awareness about domestic violence and raise awareness that everyone can make a difference.

What is domestic violence? Domestic violence and sexual assault are some of the most under-reported crimes. Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior where one person attempts to control another through threats or actual use of physical violence, sexual assault, verbal or psychological abuse and stalking.

Children can be witnessing violence between parents or caretakers. Victims can be anyone: any age, any social or financial group. People who choose to be abusive can also be any age, social, economic, racial or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, or physical/ mental ability.

There are several ways to actively be working to end domestic violence.

• Become involved with the task force by attending a meeting or ask to be on our e-mailing list.
• Help work on an awareness campaign – October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
• Ask your employer to develop and implement a Workplace Domestic Violence Policy with the help of Safe Voices.
• Invite a Task Force member or Safe Voices educator to speak with your group or organization.
• Read the Wait! What? Columns and send feedback or ideas for future columns.
• Check out Safevoices.org to become more informed and involved.

Supporting agencies that work with the task force include: Community Concepts, DHHS, Healthy Oxford Hills, your local Law Enforcement agencies, the Oxford Hills Clergy Association, R.E.A.C.H. – the Sexual Assault Support Center, Regional School Union#10, River Valley Healthy Community Coalition and Safe Voices (formerly AWAP).

For more information about the Oxford County Domestic Violence Task Force, please contact Diane at 364-9908 or dgallagher@safevoices.org

If you or someone you know needs assistance, please call:

• Safe Voices: 24-hour free and confidential helpline 800-559-2927 www.safevoices,org
• REACH: Sexual Assault Support Center: 800-871-7741 www.reachmaine.org
• Or contact your local police department:

State Police: 800-228-0857

Sheriff's Office: 800-733-1421

Norway Police: 743-5303

Paris Police: 743-7448

Oxford Police: 539-4414

9-1-1 for emergency only