The 11th annual University of Maine March Against Domestic Violence will be held on Oct. 18 at 5 p.m. Supporters of the cause are to meet on the steps of Fogler Library and walk as a group to the Field House.
A speaker portion and remembrance ceremony, honoring the 15 lives lost in Maine due to domestic violence in 2024, will take place inside the final location. Various resources, including Title IX, Rape Response Services, TRIOTA and Partners for Peace, are attending to provide crucial information to participants. The march is hosted by the Maine Business School (MBS) and organized by MBS Professor Nory Jones. Partners for Peace will host a second table later in the evening at the men’s ice hockey game against Quinnipiac at 7 p.m. in the Alfond Area.
The speaker lineup is as follows: Senator Susan Collins, Dean Robert Dana, Adjutant General of the Maine National Guard Diane Dunn, Executive Director at Partners for Peace Amanda Cost and Deputy Title IX Coordinator Heather Hogan. Casey Faulkingham, the director of development and engagement at Partners for Peace, will read the name of each person who passed away this year as a result of domestic violence. UMaine Renaissance will conclude the program with a song.
“Everybody has contributed their knowledge, their expertise and their support in helping with different aspects of it. So, I think our team is indispensable, invaluable and just incredible. And, of course, the audience [is important],” said Jones.
Several students contributed to a domestic violence awareness exhibition that will be on display in the Memorial Union throughout the days leading up to the event. The artists include Maddie Ruppert, Sidonia Stanton, Alicia Bell and Hailey Inman. The inspiration for their artwork relates to a compassion for and outreach towards those who may be suffering in silence. Inman used acrylic paint on watercolor paper for her submission, “Unable to Fly,” and explained the creative process.
“This piece took me planning about a month and the painting process took only a few days. I wanted this piece to convey the feeling of abandonment and isolation often shown in abusive relationships,” said Inman. “Support is one of the most important things, even when nothing else can be done. “
There are several avenues available for help, some being confidential resources at UMaine. Information at the march will provide students and other community members with the necessary tools to recognize signs of domestic violence.
“Hopefully, they [attendees] will learn about this and learn what to look for, how to help. But also, maybe gain a sense of ownership and responsibility. We have to support each other. We have to have each other’s backs,” said Jones. “That’s what I’m hoping students will take from this— learning about it, the problem, how they can help.”