LEWISTON — Safe Voices will hold its annual 5K Walk/Run to End Domestic Violence on Saturday, June 3.

The organization will once again partner with Bates College to continue expanding the event and provide participants with an exciting course.

The event’s goal is to spread awareness about domestic abuse and engage the community in supporting every person’s right to feel safe and live free from violence. 

Participants can register as either a 5K runner, 5K walker or 1-mile walker. Once registered, participants can raise money by collecting pledge donations for their efforts.

All money raised will fund services to victims of domestic violence in Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties. The goal of raising $30,000 needs the support of the individuals and businesses in the counties served. Strollers and well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome.

Close to 50 percent of the homicides in Maine last year were the result of domestic violence.

In its last fiscal year, Safe Voices provided over 10,000 hours advocating for victims, provided community education to 9,203 individuals in Androscoggin, Oxford and Franklin counties, and provided shelter to 121 individuals (including 54 children).

For information and support, Safe Voices has a free, confidential helpline available 24 hours a day at 1-800-559-2927.

Corporate sponsorship opportunities are still available.

FMI, register: www.safevoices.org; 207-795-6744, ext. 213; ejohansen@safevoices.org; facebook.com/SafeVoicesMaine.

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