Exhibit raises awareness about domestic violence

SOURCE: ELLSWORTH AMERICAN – Patrisha McLean, founder and president of Finding Our Voices and a survivor of domestic violence, is bringing her photographic exhibit to businesses in Ellsworth in May.

Passers-by may notice the 4-foot-by-2-foot banners, each featuring a different Maine survivor, in 21 downtown business windows. The banners feature women, including two from Ellsworth, who have chosen to share their experiences to promote understanding and also give hope to women still trapped in abusive relationships, who may be in more danger due to the increased isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Business support has been just incredible,” McLean said. “This is not only bold and courageous of the survivors who are willing to share their stories, but also of the businesses who are letting women know that they stand with them. We want victims to see that they are not alone. There are people who will believe them, understand what they are going through, and will provide all the resources they need to go from being victims to becoming survivors, just like the women portrayed on the banners. In Ellsworth, this kind of support is found at The Next Step Domestic Violence Project, which serves Hancock and Washington counties.”

“This exhibit is incredibly valuable to create awareness about the impact of domestic violence, and to direct people to Next Step for support,” said Dorathy Martel, the organization’s executive director. “With so many places closed, it is more challenging for us to get the word out that we are here, ready and able to serve. Patrisha and her colleagues who have worked together to make this possible, along with all of the businesses, are doing something that is so meaningful at a time when our services are needed to remain visible. We are grateful to these amazing organizers for bringing this to the Ellsworth community.”

Lori Chase, owner of Coastal Interiors in Ellsworth, reached out to McLean about the banner project after seeing a news segment about the installation in four Midcoast Maine downtowns. Cara Romano of Heart of Ellsworth helped Lori line up 21 downtown Ellsworth businesses to display the banners. The Ellsworth banners are sponsored by the Maine Women’s Fund.

For information about Finding Our Voices and the traveling banner project, visit FindingOurVoices.net.