NORWAY – The public is invited to attend a Domestic Violence Task Force meeting from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7, at the Norway Town Office smaller conference room.

Speakers and information will be presented about shelters and housing options for adolescents, adults and families in Oxford County.

Having a place to live can be a barrier to leaving an abusive relationship, especially during a Maine winter. Others may find themselves in need of a shelter or housing for many different reasons – a foreclosure, an eviction or loss of a job.

Representatives from General Assistance, Community Concepts, AVESTA and Rumford Group Homes will be present to explain what they offer regarding shelter and housing options.

Information will also be available about other programs that assist with shelter and housing options, including local churches, the Community of the Resurrection and the Rural Community Action Ministry.

The task force meets monthly and is a community effort with a focus on healthy and safe living. Meetings have provided information about sexual assault, dating violence, substance abuse, under-age drinking, teenage pregnancy, state programs, legal services for the elderly and legal issues.

For more information, contact Diane Gallagher, Abused Women’s Advocacy Project, at 364-9908, or Debbie Dembski, rape education and crisis hotline, at 743-9777.