Domestic Abuse in Our Neighborhood: Raising Awareness will be held Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, at 11 a.m., at People’s United Methodist Church, in Union.

This free community event will bring together local professionals and community voices to raise awareness about domestic abuse and help our neighbors better understand how to recognize abuse, support survivors, and connect people with available resources, according to PUMC, in a news release.

Panelists will include:

• Hillary Waterman, PhD – Community Prevention Educator for Knox and Waldo Counties, New Hope Midcoast
• Mary Kamradt – Director of Operations, Finding Our Voices
• Representative Valli Geiger – State Representative
• Rev. Hyunmyung Aiden Seo – People’s United Methodist Church
• Holly – Peer Voice

"This gathering is not simply for survivors of domestic abuse," said PUMC. "We hope it will be a meaningful opportunity for the wider community to learn how we can pay closer attention to what may be happening around us and become more supportive and compassionate neighbors."

For those who cannot attend in person, Zoom access will be available. Participants do not need to turn on their cameras or speak; they are welcome simply to listen and learn.

The in-person event will also be recorded for educational purposes. To protect the privacy of participants, the faces and voices of attendees other than the presenters will be removed from the recording.

A fellowship lunch will follow the event. Walk-in attendance is welcome, although RSVP is preferred.