Agenda Item Request
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Proclaim October as Domestic Violence Action Month
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Background and Purpose of Request
October is officially recognized as Domestic Violence Action Month, a vital national campaign dedicated to uniting community leaders, uplifting survivors, and implementing systemic solutions to end intimate partner violence. Originally established by Congress in 1989, this month serves as a critical platform for local governments to connect with the public, share life-saving resources, and strengthen community safety nets.
This effort is anchored by the Cumberland County Violence Intervention Partnership (VIP). Since 1997, this collaborative initiative has coordinated a unified response to abuse by bringing together Cumberland County Government, the District Attorney’s Office, local law enforcement, the Department of Corrections, and crucial advocacy partners like Through These Doors. Demonstrating its continued impact, the VIP recently secured a $700,000 grant specifically dedicated to strengthening system policies, improving victim access to services, and enhancing offender accountability measures. Furthermore, the partnership continues to drive statewide progress, utilizing multidisciplinary teams to provide specialized medical and legal training on strangulation for law enforcement and medical personnel across Maine.
To bring this mission directly to our county infrastructure this October, the VIP and local partners are launching several key initiatives:
Purple Light Nights®: Thanks to our dedicated county facilities team, the courthouse will be illuminated in purple light to honor survivors and serve as a prominent visual reminder of our community's solidarity.
Wear Purple Day: On October 22nd, county staff and community members are encouraged to wear purple and share their photos online using #wearpurple to raise widespread public awareness.
Community Partnerships: Local businesses, including Rising Tide and the Lavender Cafes are stepping up...
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