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Tribal advocates keep up legal pressure for fair political maps; 12-member jury sworn in for Trump's historic criminal trial; the importance of healthcare decision planning; and a debt dilemma: poll shows how many people wrestle with college costs.

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Civil rights activists say a court ruling could end the right to protest in three southern states, a federal judge lets January 6th lawsuits proceed against former President Trump, and police arrest dozens at a Columbia University Gaza protest.

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Rural Wyoming needs more vocational teachers to sustain its workforce pipeline, Ohio environmental advocates fear harm from a proposal to open 40-thousand forest acres to fracking and rural communities build bike trail systems to promote nature, boost the economy.

Maine Domestic-Violence Shelters Get Creative as Needs Surge

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Friday, October 2, 2020   

AUGUSTA, Maine - It's Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the groups that help survivors in Maine are expecting another record number of requests for assistance.

From April to June, these organizations reported a nearly 50% increase in helpline calls, text messages, emails and other contact.

Executive Director of The Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence Francine Garland Stark emphasized that thousands of Mainers are there to support survivors, 24 hours a day. Stark noted all of their programs provide shelter with safe, social distancing - and for some, new temporary housing.

"We have been very fortunate in using hotel rooms in some cases," said Stark. "To help people be able to isolate and stay safe, both from the person who is a threat to them and from the virus."

If you or someone you know needs to talk with a domestic violence support professional, call the Maine state helpline at 1-866-834-HELP.

Stark said one big misconception is that survivors are primarily facing domestic violence. She said most of the time, she prefers the term 'domestic abuse.'

"Most of what's going on here is not physical violence," said Stark. "But really controlling, demeaning, shaming behavior that many people are living with all the time. Talking with someone about what's going on can be very helpful."

Stark said speaking to a trained professional can be especially useful now, since many survivors are in less touch with friends and family as a result of the pandemic. She also emphasized that for many people, leaving an abusive situation is impractical for various reasons, and they should still reach out for help.


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