Governor Recognizes Private Partnership to Help Victims of Domestic Violence
Press Release
Governor Recognizes Private Partnership to Help Victims of Domestic Violence
Governor John E. Baldacci today recognized the leadership of Wal-Mart officials and employees in Maine for their work to help the victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Recently, 11 Wal-Mart stores in northern and eastern Maine began printing the phone numbers to Maine's crisis hot lines for domestic violence and sexual assault on their sales receipts.
"Wal-Mart is setting a great example, doing their part to get information out to the public about the resources that exist in Maine to help those who are victims of sexual assault and domestic violence," said Governor Baldacci. "Help for victims is only a phone call away, and each week these Wal-Mart stores are printing off almost 350,000 receipts with this valuable information. All of this is designed to get victims the information that will help them get the help they need and break the cycle of violence."
Participants in the ceremony today included Public Safety Commissioner Anne Jordan, Wal-Mart officials and employees, Nicky Blanchard of the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence and Sarah Stewart of the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault.
The Governor recognized Don Emmons, who is the Community Involvement Coordinator for Wal-Mart's Brewer Store. "Don, who also sits with on the State's Commission on Domestic and Sexual Abuse, chaired by Commissioner Anne Jordan, came up with this idea to add the phone numbers to the receipts, and I want to thank him and Wal-Mart for taking on this important safety issue," said the Governor.
The Wal-Mart receipts give the numbers for Sexual Assault Support (800-871-7741) and the Domestic Violence Hotline (866-834-HELP).
"We all have a responsibility to stand up against sexual assault and domestic violence. It starts by getting information out and helping victims. I am proud of the work and advocacy these Mainers have put into helping our citizens stay safe," Governor Baldacci said.
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