Thanks to the testimonies of several women, who had the courage to speak out against Gov. John Baldacci’s proposed cuts to domestic violence support programs, Caring Unlimited will remain open. 

For women enduring abusive relationships, these programs are a lifeline and offer support and resources that can give a woman the strength to leave her abuser.

As the state budget progressed through the necessary channels, we saw people flocking to the State House in order to speak their piece about how cuts to social services and other programs would affect their lives.  For some, traveling to the State House must have been a challenge and physically taxing. While for others, it must have been difficult to share deeply personal stories with hundreds of strangers. 

The women, who offered their testimonies to the Legislature and as a result, helped save the Caring Unlimited program, should be commended for their actions. We all have moments where we want to make a difference, but stop ourselves and think, “What can I do?”

Maybe those women thought that too, but that didn’t stop them from taking action. Few talk about domestic violence, but the women of Caring Unlimited proved just how powerful words can be. Just by speaking, those women saved a program, and as a result, countless lives. 

We should all follow their example and in the times we feel helpless or hopeless, remember, “I have a voice,” and put it to use.