Maria's Voice

Join us in our mission to prevent Domestic Violence through education. 

Maria’s Voice was founded in May 2020 after the murder of Maria Pew in her MN home by a domestic abuser. Founded by her parents, Bill Pew and Lissa Weimelt, following a middle of the night conversation when Bill wondered, “How can we prevent this from happening to another family?” Maria’s Voice IS the missing ingredient in Domestic Violence resources: PREVENTION. 

What we do SAVES LIVES

Two survivors recently told us: "You saved my life."

 - After attending an Educational Presentation, Sarah* developed a safety plan and left. 

 - After attending the annual Community Tribute and Memory Lane, Aleesha* got a safety plan and left.  *Not their real names.

Both said of Maria's Voice, "You saved my life. When I heard you speak, I realized how dangerous things were getting. I finally knew I had to leave. My friends supported me, helped me with a safety plan, and I got out. Thank you. You saved my life." 

This is only possible with your support. Together, we save the lives of people like Sarah and Aleesha and improve the safety of lives of many more. We wholeheartedly thank you for your support through GIVE TO THE MAX. Your funds provide programming and training to help more people like Sarah and Aleesha – people like your brother, your cousin, your friend, your daughter, or maybe even YOU.

What we do

We educate the community about the 12 common signs of Domestic Violence so a person who chooses that behavior can be avoided, or a relationship safely exited before violence occurs or escalates. We ensure everyone is aware, educated, and knows how to take safe action – including how and what to say. We point victims and people who care about them to direct support resources utilizing the state and national hotlines.

What makes us different

We focus solely on prevention education before violence occurs.

• We make learning and talking about the signs of domestic abuse safe and convenient, going where people are so they don’t need to come to us – at the workplace, at church, at community festivals. 
• We use common, easy to understand words and icons in multiple languages, so everyone learns. 
• We know and identify that any gender, in any type of relationship, can be victimized or an abuser. 

For more details, please visit www.MariasVoice.org.