Next Step Domestic Violence Project of Hancock and Washington Counties
Next Step News
WINTER 2013
VOLUME 3 ISSUE 2
Understanding Domestic Violence in the Face of Community Tragedy
Since the homicide in Ellsworth on Christmas
day, community members have expressed sadness, outrage, fear, grief, and regret. In a court
affidavit, Christopher Saenz admitted that he
beat his wife, Hilary Saenz, and he faces one
count of murder for Hilary‟s death. Community
members wonder how the abuse could have continued, and how it was that so many people knew
Hilary, saw her regularly, and may not have
known what was happening in their home. Was it
Hilary‟s responsibility to stop the violence? Was
it ours? Could we have prevented this senseless
tragedy? These questions may never be answered.
Domestic violence is a complicated affair, each
situation is different. But there are commonalities:
by Executive Director Rebecca Hobbs
Members of the community attended a vigil in
memory of Hilary Saenz in front of Ellsworth City Hall
Isolation is almost always a tactic of abuse. Victims of domestic violence are systematically isolated from their friends, neighbors, co-workers,
and family. If Hilary‟s neighbors and friends
were not aware of the abuse, that was not an accident. Abusers make sure that family members
are covering up the abuse out of embarrassment
and especially fear.
Though we all want to do something about abuse,
only one person controls the violence, and that is
the perpetrator. We must not look to the victim to
stop the violence. We must hold the perpetrators
accountable through enacting and enforcing of
laws, but beyond that, in every arena in which we
witness the violence and abuse. Most acts of
abuse are not a crime: threats and intimidation
are often not criminal; belittling, devaluing and
demeaning a partner as a means to control them;
coercion and use of size, strength, and privilege.
We may witness or hear about these behaviors
and ignore or justify them because it makes us
uncomfortable to confront aggression or to avoid
becoming involved. We look to the victim to ask
„why didn‟t she do something?‟ Why don‟t we?
For more information about domestic violence, or
volunteer opportunities at Next Step, please call
us at 667-0176 or 255-4934—or visit our website
at www.nextstepdvproject.org.
Inside this issue:
Hilary Saenz
1
Missy Fairfield
2
New Staff
2
NS updates
3
Wishlists
3
New Staff
3
National Teen DV
4
NEXT STEP NEWS
Next Step is
excited to
welcome two
new staff to our
agency. See
their bios
below.
Page 2
Missy Fairfield honored by Maine Judicial Branch
by Rick Doyle, Esq.
Missy was cited for her work
in the Ellsworth District
Court, where she is regularly
called on to act as an intermediary in civil protection
order cases. Staff Attorney
Rick Doyle says, “This citation reflects Missy‟s ability
to develop good working relationships, not only with the
parties involved, but also
with court personnel. She
has great people skills.”
passionate advocate, effective in the courtroom, on the
hotline, and in the community. We couldn‟t agree more
with the Performance Council‟s selection of Missy for the
Advocate for Justice Award.”
On December 13th Legal Program Coordinator Missy
Fairfield was honored by the
Maine Judicial Branch with
the 2013 Advocate for Justice Award. Recognition is
given each year to „that person, judge, employee, legislator, public official, lawyer, or
citizen who has most effectively championed the cause
of justice in our society.‟ The
award was presented by
Chief Justice Leigh Saufley
at the Chief‟s Award Luncheon at the Judicial Center in
Augusta. The luncheon was
attended by Missy and Executive Director Rebecca
Hobbs.
Congratulations, Missy!
Missy started at Next Step
in 2007, becoming a staff
member after she completed
an internship with the Legal
Team. Rebecca notes that
Missy “has proven herself to
be a knowledgeable and com-
New Transitional Housing Advocate for Machias, Marcie Dean
Allow me to introduce myself. I‟m Marcie, the new
Transitional Housing Advocate for Next Step in Machias. My experience is varied.
I‟ve been employed mainly as
an educator in teaching and
special education supportive
roles, but have also maintained part time jobs as a
Behavioral Health Professional and free-lance writing
correspondent. I‟ve offered
my time as an inner city tutor, peer counselor, and soup
kitchen volunteer. Each opportunity has provided
growth and allowed the joy
of human interaction.
There is much beauty in our
world, and I attempt to spend
my leisure time discovering
it. I love the arts and am a
patron of them. The opportunity to travel to nine different countries has provided an
abundance of breath-taking
moments. In my newly acquired position, I look forward to serving my community to the best of my ability. I
am thrilled to be here!
VOLUME 3 ISSUE 2
Page 3
Some Next Step updates
Next Step will be offering an
8 week educational support
group in Bucksport beginning
March 13. Please refer interested parties to the hotline.
Save the date! Next Step will
be hosting a brunch and chocolate tasting on April 6 at Big
Cat’s Catering. Follow our FB
and webpage for info about
the time of the brunch, or call
us at 667-0176. Volunteers
are welcome to pick up and
serve chocolate at the event!
Next Step and the Maine
Humanities Council will be
co-hosting a book group for
professionals who work with
people impacted by DV. The
group has a reading list and
begins March 17, so please
call 667-0176 asap if you are
interested. The group will
meet once monthly for four
months at Maine Coast Memorial Hospital.
Shelter Wish-list:
T-House Wishlist

Twin size bedding

Snow-melt for winter

Food and gas gift cards

Snow shovels

Pillows


Food and gas gift cards
Shampoo & Conditioner,
soap


Cleaning supplies

Toilet paper
Hats, mittens, and scarves in
adult and child sizes

Laundry soap, fabric softener
New Support Services Advocate for Washington County, Terri Olsen
Hi my name is Terri. My
Down East roots run deep being born and raised in our
beautiful county. I am a single
mom with a son graduating
from High School in June. I
enjoy helping those in need so
I have spent the last 15 years
working in healthcare. Another work interest was working
with Dad over the past 6 summer‟s lobster fishing. My current devotion is to work for
Next Step and reciprocate the
services that I received in my
time of need. This opportunity to pay it forward in my
current position is a welcomed change. My passions
are painting, being on the
water, and being with my
son and my boxer, Roxy.
Support Services Coordinator is a new position at Next
Step. I will be dividing my
time between shelter and
transitional housing residents to help them access
resources and increase their
self-sufficiency.
Next Step Domestic Violence
Project is a private, nonprofit
organization devoted to serving
the needs of people affected by
domestic violence through education and social change.
24-Hour Hotline 1 (800) 315-5579
www.nextstepdvproject.org
Next step domestic violence project
PO Box 1466 Ellsworth ME,
04605
February is now Maine ’s Teen Dating Violence Prevention and Awareness Month!
PO Box 303 Machias ME, 04654
This February MCEDV advocates from across the state attended our annual
meet the legislators event in Augusta. On that day they met with the Governor
when he signed the law making Teen Dating Violence Prevention and Awareness
Month official. Present were Rebecca Hobbs and Kelly Brown of Next Step.
Ellsworth Office: 207.667.0176
Machias Office: 207.255.4934
Calais Office: 207.454.8088
24 Hour Hotline: 1.800.315.5579
www.nextstepdvproject.org
Maine is joining the national
move toward February as Teen
Dating Violence Prevention and
Awareness Month. For impact
reports and campaign materials
check out this website:
http://www.teendvmonth.org/