Finding Our Voices is proud to announce Bath and Brunswick coming together to get really loud about domestic abuse with a multi-faceted program May 9 - 11. The educational march, survivor-led panel discussion, art sale, and 5K race are all designed, according to the nonprofit’s CEO and Founder Patrisha McLean,  “to, on Mother’s Day weekend, raise the roof on the murder and mayhem of women and children in homes all around us."

McLean said, “I am  heartened by the outpouring of support of this initiative from both communities, including Bath City Manager Marc Meyers letting us know that for the week starting May 5 the City Hall Bell Tower will be lit with the Finding Our Voices color of yellow.” 

The events honor Jennie and Lisa Bailey, a mother and her daughter who were beloved Bath community members and shot in the back by their husband and father last October as they fled their home, in a double homicide/suicide. The weekend symbolizes a call to action for Maine to hold domestic abuse perpetrators accountable and prioritize the safety and well-being of victims/survivors. 

The weekend opens with a public reception on Friday, May 9 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Centre Street Arts Gallery in Bath. Local artists are creating and selling work inspired by the theme “Into the Light!” with proceeds benefiting the Finding Our Voices Children’s Fund bringing comfort and joy to children traumatized by domestic abuse.

On Saturday, May 10 the public is encouraged to wear yellow and bring signs expressing what they want the public to know about domestic abuse for a downtown Brunswick march that will start at 9:30 a.m. at the gazebo at The Mall. At 6:30 p.m., seven survivors, including a mother and daughter and a man who grew up with a violent father, will share their stories at the Chocolate Church Arts Center in Bath. 

All of the above events are free and open to the public. 

The weekend culminates with a 5K Jennie’s Run and Kids Fun Run starting at 8 a.m. at Waterfront Park in Bath. Proceeds will benefit the nonprofits Love Shouldn't Hurt and Black Belts Against Domestic Violence. To register, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/ME/Bath/JennieSRun.

Jennie Bailey’s best friend for 25 years Kerry Smith is organizing the race and participating in Saturday’s panel discussion. Kerry remarked, “When Jennie and her mom were murdered, it made me realize just how significant and widespread domestic abuse is. Our hope is that these events will not only bring awareness of domestic abuse which is so desperately needed but also provide support and resources to those still in abusive situations.”

Patrisha McLean cited the alarming rate of femicide in Maine as the impetus for the rally, with the following “preventable tragedies" occurring across our state in just the past two months.

• Margaux Whittemore, 32, of Belfast killed in Readfield: her husband indicted for her murder and also strangling his mother.  
• Adaysia Read, 20, and her baby daughter dead from a Lewiston car crash: Her boyfriend from Brunswick was the driver, and according to news reports at the time of the crash, was out on bail after being charged with strangling her. 
• Sherri Sweet, 37, shot in the back of her head in South Berwick, her boyfriend charged with the murder. 
• Christine Smith, 47, shot dead by her son in Sabbattus, with gunfire from his AK-47 rifle leading to the death of a woman bystander and injuring two others.

“The first step to solving any problem is shining a light on it,” said McLean. “With domestic abuse a massive problem in Maine and getting worse,  I invite and encourage everyone who cares about women and children to add wattage by joining us on Mother’s Day weekend.” 

Finding Our Voices is the grassroots and survivor-led non-profit connecting Maine women survivors of domestic abuse and providing them with such critical resources as an online support group, financial assistance, and access to free dental care. The group is currently bringing their groundbreaking healthy-dating awareness program to high school students across Maine.

For more information visit: https://findingourvoices.net/