Finding Our Voices a safe community for domestic abuse survivors during holidays [Video]

The holidays are a time for many to celebrate with friends and family, but it can be especially difficult for survivors of domestic violence.

CAMDEN, Maine — During her nearly 10-year relationship with a mentally and physically abusive partner, survivor Courtney Davis said she dreaded Christmas and other holiday gatherings.

“Everybody’s not walking around singing ‘Jingle Bells’ and baking cookies, and maybe they are, but they’re dying on the inside,” Davis shared. “If you’re not doing enough Christmas shopping, you’re in trouble. If you’re doing too much, you’re in trouble. If they don’t like the decorations, you’re in trouble. If you’re stressed out and they can sense that, you’re in trouble.”

Now free from that relationship, Davis said she’s finding hope and joy again through Finding Our Voices, a nonprofit led by Patrisha McLean.

“We lift each other up, and that’s what it’s all about,” McLean said.

To help Davis and other domestic violence survivors in Maine during the holidays, …