The Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence, Safe Voices and other domestic violence resource centers across the state ask churches and other community buildings to ring their bells for two minutes at noon Wednesday, Aug. 31.

“We remember and honor the lives of Mainers lost this summer and over the years due to domestic violence,” stated Julia Colpitts, executive director, “and we are issuing a call to action to the general community. Prompted by the recent tragedies in Winslow, Dexter and New Gloucester, people are again asking how to make it clear that Maine will not tolerate a climate of family violence.

“The bell ringing is a symbol of healing and action. People need to remember, and they also are looking for ways to make positive change in their own communities,” stated Margo Batsie, member services coordinator at MCEDV. “We are encouraging people to reach out for help if they or someone they care about is in an abusive relationship. There are trained advocates ready to answer the call 24/7 across Maine.” The helpline number is 1-866-834-HELP.

Safe Voices noted that several churches will be participating in Androscoggin County, including the following: Trinity Episcopal Church, First Unitarian Universalist Church of Auburn, Greene Baptist Church, St. Matthews Episcopal and High Street Congregational.

Bells will be ringing around Oxford County at First Congregational in South Paris, Second Congregational and St. Catherine’s in Norway and Dixfield Congregational Church in Dixfield.

In Franklin County, bells will be rung at First Congregational Church and St. Luke’s Episcopal in Wilton, at Henderson Memorial, Old South First Congregational and St. Joseph’s Parish in Farmington, at Jay Baptist Church and St. Rose of Lima in Jay, and in Rangeley bells will ring at the Rangeley Free Baptist Church and the Church of the Good Shepherd.