LEWISTON — On Saturday morning, Kennedy Park’s basketball courts will host a large group of prominent men calling for change in thinking and behavior to stop sexual abuse and domestic violence.

From 10 a.m. to noon at 120 Park St. a “Pack the Court” to “Man Up” rally against sexual assault and domestic violence will be held. Police officers, veterans and community members are encouraged to stand with them against such violence.

Among those voicing support to stop violence will be Lewiston Mayor Robert E. Macdonald and Auburn Mayor Jonathan Labonte, Lewiston-Auburn police Chiefs Michael Bussiere and Phil Crowell, Justice Robert Clifford, and new Mainers Elmoge Hassan and Mohamed Ibrahim. 

Bill Lowenstein, board chairman of Sexual Assault Prevention & Response Services, will be the keynote speaker.

LA Women Rising recently have been creating public awareness about the importance of stopping sexual assault and domestic violence. “Pack the Court” Co-Chairmen former Lewiston Mayor Laurent Gilbert Sr. and veteran Jerry DeWitt said in a news release that men cannot be silent while women raise the issue, that men must shoulder some responsibility.

All attending can sign an “I Will Man Up” pledge card toward stopping violence. Men are encouraged to bring spouses, significant others, family members and friends.

The agencies that formed the LA Women Rising collaborative — Safe Voices, the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Services, the Center for Wisdom’s Women and the YWCA — will provide resource tables and support. 

For additional information, individuals may contact DeWitt at jdewitt@tcmhs.org or 783-4663, ext. 228.

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