We appreciate the opportunity to respond to the recent article (Dec. 2) and editorial (Dec. 5) in the Sun Journal regarding the representation of individuals in protection from abuse order hearings. While many sides were represented in the discussion, we are concerned that the voices of Maine’s victims were not heard.

According to the Maine Department of Public Safety, there is a domestic assault every hour and 38 minutes. As of December 2012, there were 20 homicides in Maine, 10 of which were domestic violence-related.

The goal of the protection from abuse order is to prevent Maine women and children — and men — from becoming yet another statistic. While there may be confusion about the process of obtaining a protection from abuse order, victim support services exist because of a real need in our communities. We cannot forget this.

Protection orders are not granted lightly, and once in effect, they can serve as a critical safeguard to individuals living in fear.

Safe Voices, the designated domestic violence resource center in Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties, began as a grassroots movement in 1977, organized by a small group of community members who saw the devastating consequences of domestic violence. They responded by creating an agency that, quite literally, saves lives.

Our mission has been and will continue to be to support and empower those affected by domestic violence and engage the community in creating social change. We encourage the community to join with us and remember, “There is no excuse for abuse.”

Jane Morrison, on behalf of the board and staff of Safe Voices