October is Domestic Violence Month, which is a good time to highlight those who have been physically, mentally and sexually abused in the County and what to do about it.

We caught up with Rebekah Shaw, Prevention Awareness Advocate with the Hope and Justice Project in Aroostook County, to talk about how the organization is helping and assisting victims in Aroostook County.

The Hope and Justice Project helps men, women, and children who have been affected or is currently being affected due to domestic violence in Aroostook County.

Shaw states,

"In Aroostook County the numbers are consistent with the rest of the nation where, during their life time, one in four women will be affected and one in seven men."

Occasionally people will contact the Hope and Justice Project after law enforcement has been involved, but there are many different ways that people find themselves seeking assistance from a staff member from the organization.

Some of the different ways people contact Hope and Justice Project are:

  • Self Referral
  • Court Referral
  • Friend or Family Referral

There are many different resources available in order to help people in their specific situation.

Shaw explains,

"Our services are individualized. We want to help the person with what they want help with and that looks different for everyone."

Legal services, shelter, or just one-on-one emotional support are just a few of the needs that people who visit the Hope and Justice Project might have.

Shaws says that providing options, rather than telling people what to do, helps to empower individuals in order to help create the life that they want for themselves.

The organization assists people within the County with offices in Presque Isle, Houlton, Madawaska, and Fort Kent.

For more information about the Hope and Justice Project or if you or someone you know needs help, please call 1-800-439-2323 or visit their website here.

 

 

 

 

 

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