The Waldoboro Board of Selectmen adopted a new domestic violence policy for town employees Oct. 15 and welcomed a dedicated community advocate from New Hope for Women.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Town Manager Linda-Jean Briggs said the domestic violence policy is intended to promote the health and safety of town employees, and to supplement but not supersede or replace existing policy.
The policy outlines leave options for domestic violence victims, the town’s response to employees identified as an abuser, and workplace safety plans centered around victims.
The policy also includes language related to getting needed assistance to both survivors and perpetrators of domestic violence.
Briggs said she has reviewed the policy with the town’s department heads and incorporated their comments.
“This has been adopted by other communities in the state,” Briggs said.
“I think it’s a good thing,” said Selectman Jann Minzy. “Thank you for doing that.”
The selectmen also welcomed Susanna Norwood-Burns, a community advocate from New Hope for Women who will work 20 hours per week on domestic and dating violence issues in Waldoboro.
The 20-hour position, funded through a private family foundation, is specific to Waldoboro and will serve as an “intimate partner violence prevention and response advocate,” according to a press release from New Hope.
New Hope for Women, which operates in Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Knox, and Waldo counties, offers support in various ways to people affected by domestic and dating violence, and stalking.
Norwood-Burns, of Damariscotta, said she will be working in Waldoboro on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
She plans to start off by reaching out to health-care providers, churches, and other community organizations to introduce herself and make them aware of New Hope for Women’s services.
