How does ‘Through These Doors’ help people who need it?
By Caydince Bumpus |Community Editor
In light of October being domestic violence action month, our spotlight for this issue is Through These Doors. Through These Doors is a domestic violence resource center in Cumberland County. All their services are free and confidential for people to use. These Doors opened in 1977, however, they were under a different name at the time. When they first opened, and for many years after, they were known as the Family Crisis Center. In 2018, they changed their name to Through These Doors.
One major thing to keep in mind is that Through These Doors has a 24-hour helpline. This helpline is a place where you can talk about what is going on without having any judgment. Through These Doors also has an emergency shelter that has so many extraordinary resources that can be used. They have support groups and they even help with navigating law enforcement and even offer support for legal matters. Through These Doors also operates another program called Domestic Violence Intervention Program which is also based out of Cumberland County. This organization has many great people from different backgrounds who help with the mission in different ways. Not only do they help with domestic violence that is going on in the moment, and/or the past, but they also do programs that help young adults try and prevent future violence. Just last year alone they helped over 16,494 people with their different services.
So how exactly can USM students help support Through These Doors? October 17th, which is coming up shortly, is “Wear Purple Day.” Wear Purple Day is a day to show your support for the survivors of domestic violence. If you happen to wear purple on this day, post a photo of you on social media accounts and tag Through These Doors! Another way to support this organization is to follow them on social media to find out about the events that are happening this month.
If you or someone that you know is in a domestic violence situation, the link to Through These Doors will listed below along with the helpline number. The best way to get in touch with Through These Doors is the helpline. After you call, an operator will get back to you within 15 minutes. The most important thing to keep in mind is that you’re not alone, there are resources available to you and to the people that you care about.
Through These Doors Contact Information and Social Media:
Helpline: 1-800-537-6066
Website: https://www.throughthesedoors.org/
Instagram: throughthesedoors207maine