Andwell and Safe Voices partnership to honor DV victims at memorial butterfly release

July 15, 2026

LEWISTON — A novel partnership is bringing a new opportunity to honor those who have been lost to domestic violence homicide in Maine. Each year, Andwell Health Partners hosts a butterfly release fundraiser where community members may dedicate a butterfly in honor or in memory of a loved one. This year, Safe Voices and Andwell have partnered to include a butterfly for all victims who were lost to domestic violence homicide across Androscoggin, Franklin, and Oxford Counties over the past five years. There are 23 victims who will be included.

“Andwell reached out about becoming more involved in our work, and in brainstorming some ways to partner, we came to the idea of having this moment to honor the people who have lost their lives to domestic violence,” says Safe Voices executive director Rebecca Austin. “The butterfly release is such a beautiful day and tribute to people we’ve lost, and I think it’s really amazing that we’ll get a chance to honor these victims once more, say their names aloud, and recognize what our community lost when they were murdered.”

The event includes a heartfelt reading of the names of those being honored, followed by the release of nearly a thousand butterflies in a powerful expression of remembrance. Andwell describes the release as “filled with beauty, symbolizing transformation, peace, and the lasting connections we carry in our hearts.”

Although the event takes place each year, this is the first year there is an organized effort to recognize victims of domestic violence homicide. The organization is also supporting Safe Voices through fundraising efforts and collecting supplies for the agency’s Free Boutique for Survivors.

Community members who would like to attend the butterfly release can join organizers at the event on Saturday, July 18th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Geiger Elementary School in Lewiston.