AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER) - October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. It's an issue that hits close to home for Maine Governor Paul LePage, so he is recognizing the month with a special ceremony at the state capital Monday.
If you drive past the Blaine House any night this month, you will see the Governor's Home illuminated in purple in honor of domestic violence awareness month. There are also purple candles in the windows to honor those who have lost their lives to domestic violence.
Governor LePage has made this issue a priority because he is a victim of domestic violence himself.
The Governor has passed executive orders and the legislature has passed bills that aim to protect victims and hold offenders accountable.
Monday, LePage focused on men, calling on them to take a stand. He says he wants the state of Maine to have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to domestic violence.
Arthur Jette of the Maine Chapter of Parents of Murdered Children says it's an important step toward ending abuse.
"When men line up with each other and decide to take a stand against violence against women, violence against children, then and only then will we see serious reductions in the amount of physical violence and emotional abuse in the homes" Jette told NEWS CENTER.
The purple lights will stay on at the Blaine House for the rest of the month.
NEWS CENTER