LEWISTON — Safe Voices, formerly the Abused Women’s Advocacy Project,  will hold its Walk to End Domestic Violence on Saturday, May 14 at Simard-Payne Police Memorial Park.

The purpose of the walk is to bring awareness to the issue of domestic violence and support the right of every person to feel safe and live free from violence. All money raised will support services to victims of domestic abuse in Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford Counties. Participants raise money by collecting pledges and walking one of two courses. Registration begins at 9 a.m., with opening ceremony at 10 a.m. and events until noon. Refreshments will be provided, as well as activities for children and a wellness tent that includes massage and health screenings.

In 2010, Safe Voices provided 13,793 hours of advocacy to victims of domestic violence, 4,895 shelter bednights and education to 4,525 participants. Every year approximately half of all murders in Maine are the result of domestic violence. By providing one-on-one advocacy, court services, emergency shelter and community education, Safe Voices works to make communities safer for everyone.

That goal cannot be achieved without the support of the individuals and businesses in the three counties Safe Voices serves. Participants can enter the Walk to End Domestic Violence as individuals or as teams. Well-behaved dogs on leashes are also welcome. Pledge forms can be downloaded from the Safe Voices website at www.safevoices.org. Prizes will be given at different fundraising levels. For more information, call 795-6744 ext. 14 or email lwhittemore@safevoices.org.

If you are concerned that someone you know may be a victim of domestic violence, Safe Voices has a free, confidential helpline available 24 hours a day at 1-800-559-2927.