RUMFORD — Bells at churches and other buildings will be rung throughout the state Tuesday in memory of domestic violence victims and as a call for action against such abuse.

The Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence has asked churches and other community buildings to ring their bells for two minutes at noon on Aug. 31. The first minute is to remember the recent residents of Maine who lost their lives to domestic violence. The second minute is for a call to action.

The initiative is titled “A Call to Remember, A Call to Action.”

Every year, more than 50 percent of the 20 to 30 homicides in Maine are domestic violence-related. Ten domestic violence homicides have occurred since May; nine involved firearms.

“The bell-ringing is a symbol of healing and action,” said Margo Batsie, member services coordinator for the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence.

Action can have various meanings when helping someone in an abusive relationship. Maine State Police Lt. Walter F. Grzyb said most domestic violence homicides occur when a victim is leaving or trying to end a relationship.

“What I think is important is that everyone involved in an abusive or violent domestic situation needs to take it seriously, especially if it is at a time when the relationship is ending and someone is leaving,” he said.

Some recommendations from the online Abuse, Rape, and Domestic Violence Aid and Resource Collection are:

* Reach out to victims. Ask what kind of help they want. What they need might not be what you expect.

* Provide opportunities for victims to talk about what’s happening. Ask about suspicious bruises or fights you know about.

* Help victims plan how to stay safe when violence occurs and for long-term possible courses of action they might take.

* Educate yourself about possible resources, including hot lines and shelters.

* Get involved in programs such as Safe Voices or local domestic violence programs and donate to shelters.

“Whether it is a police officer, a district attorney, a judge, a bail commissioner, a friend, a relative or the victim, don’t minimize the dangers that exist,” Grzyb said.

Batsie encouraged people to reach out for help if they or someone they care about is in an abusive relationship. Trained advocates are ready to answer calls across Maine 24 hours a day at 1-866-834-HELP(4357).

Domestic violence deaths in Maine this year:

Ryan Mayo, 22, died May 1, 2011. Shot in Dover-Foxcroft outside his house by his brother, police say. Ryan was proud of his daughter; his smiles could tell it all. Ryan touched many lives and could bring a smile to anyone he came in contact with.

Marie Flewellen, 75, died May 24, 2011. Shot in Skowhegan by her husband, who also took his life. Marie was an artist who loved nature scenes and had remarked that her home on the shore of the Kennebec River was the perfect place to paint. 

Sarah Gordon, 30, died June 6, 2011. Shot in Winslow by her husband, who also took his life. Sarah had an “infectious smile” and a way of making people feel comfortable.

Amy Lake, 38; Coty Lake, 13; and Monica Lake, 12, died June 13, 2011. Shot by Amy’s husband and Cote and Monica’s father, Steven Lake, in Dexter. Steven also took his  life. Amy’s greatest joy in life was being surrounded by her students and her children. Coty loved outdoor activities and spending time with his cousins.  Monica made everyone smile with her charismatic personality and played to win.

Richard Jeskey, 53, died June 13, 2011. Killed inside his home in Bangor. His wife, Roxanne, is charged with murder. Richard loved the open road, whether it was driving his delivery route or cruising on his motorcycle.

Alfred Licata, 63, died July 21, 2011. Beaten to death outside his home in Cambridge. His son is charged with murder. Alfred’s passion was teaching other people in business and ministry.

Renee Sandora, 27, and Trevor Mills, 28, died July 25, 2011. Both were shot outside her home in New Gloucester. Her boyfriend is charged with murder. Renee was a young woman with a plan to provide the best she could for her family. Trevor loved dirt bike riding, basketball and casino games

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