A large group of participants walking during the march. Photo by Faith Marie Small
Photo Story: UMaine March Against Domestic Violence
By Faith Marie Small on October 24, 2024
Why the purple roses? Purple is the recognized color for domestic violence awareness because it symbolizes resilience, bravery, and hope. It reflects the strength of survivors and the commitment to ending violence. The color also serves as a beacon of support, encouraging healing and unity in the fight against abuse. Description: Student volunteers hold roses during a remembrance ceremony honoring the 15 Maine lives lost to domestic violence this year.
MBS Professor Nory Jones organized and led this year’s Maine March Against Domestic Violence. She introduced UMaine President Joan Ferrini-Mundi and U.S. Senator Susan Collins before their speeches. Description: Jones introducing welcoming participants on the steps of Fogler Library.
Every year, the UMaine March Against Domestic Violence begins at the Fogler Library and ends at the Memorial Gym. Description: Gathering of students and staff in front of Fogler Library during the introduction speeches.
In her speech at the Maine March Against Domestic Violence, UMaine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy, highlighted the critical need for community education and awareness on domestic violence. She addressed often unseen forms of abuse, like emotional and psychological harm, and encouraged survivors to access support through campus resources, such as the Title IX office, and local organizations such as Partners for Peace. Description: Ferrini-Mundi giving her speech on the steps of Fogler Library.
In her speech at the Maine March Against Domestic Violence, Senator Susan Collins emphasized the importance of ending domestic violence within our state and highlighted her work on legislation like the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act to prevent abusers from accessing firearms. She also spoke about the PAWS Act, which helps shelters accommodate pets of those fleeing abuse, and underscored the troubling rate of domestic violence-related homicides in Maine. Description: Collins on the steps of the Fogler Library before delivering her speech.
Even the UMaine mascot, Bananas the Bear, made an appearance at the Maine March Against Domestic Violence, standing amongst fellow students and staff during the opening speeches. Description: Bananas stood in the crowd during the opening speeches at the Fogler Library.
MBS Assistant Professor Billy Obenauer’s research centers on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in organizations, with a particular focus on how research design shapes our understanding of DEI. His poster at the march highlights the critical need to eliminate gender discrimination as a key step in combating domestic violence against women, emphasizing its life-saving impact. Description: Obenauer holds a sign stating, “Gender discrimination perpetuates violence against women! Do better, Northern Light.”
Description: Dr. Dean Robert Dana leads the large group of march participants from the Fogler Library to the Memorial Gym.
The march was escorted by UMaine Campus Police, allowing students and staff to completely fill up the roads as they walked to the Memorial Gym. Description: Students walking in the march in front of the Memorial Gym during sunset.
Title IX protects students experiencing domestic violence by requiring schools to address and prevent violence. It provides survivors with access to support, accommodations, and ensures a safe educational environment free from discrimination. Here we can see our Title IX staff showing solidarity by participating during the march. Description: UMaine Title IX staff, Heather Hogan (right) and Samantha Harvey (left), waving during the march.
During the remembrance ceremony in the New Balance Field House, Dana shared the heartbreaking story of Jennifer Bailey, a UMaine graduate who, along with her mother, was tragically killed by her father. He honored her memory, describing Jennifer as “a light… [and] a spark” who “believed in everything good.” Description: Dean Robert Dana stood at podium in the New Balance Field House.
A student holds a sign reading, "Stop domestic violence, it is everyone’s business!" This message underscores that domestic violence impacts entire communities, not just victims. By raising awareness, getting involved, and offering support, we can work together to prevent abuse and create safer environments for all. Description: Students gathered in the New Balance Field House. One student is holding a sign that reads “Stop domestic violence, it is everyone’s business!”