CALAIS – Two Washington County residents will be honored next week for their efforts to end domestic violence.

The recognition is coming from the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence Court Affinity group and Peaceful Choices.

Calais Assistant District Attorney Paul Cavanaugh and Marilyn Braley, clerk of the 4th District Court in Machias and Washington County Superior Court, will be in Augusta on March 13 to accept their awards.

The guest speakers for the evening will be Superior Court Chief Justice Leigh Saufley and District Court Chief Judge Jon Levy.

Katherine Ragot, court advocacy program coordinator for Peaceful Choices in Milbridge, said the two were selected because of their efforts to stem domestic violence.

“Paul works with us on the Washington County domestic violence initiative … and he has been training law enforcement officers on domestic violence. I’ve seen him … in court responding to a lot of domestic violence situations,” she said. She said Cavanaugh demonstrates concern for the victims and believes the batterers should be held accountable.

Ragot said Braley was recognized for her efforts in working closely with law enforcement on family court matters. “Marilyn and her staff are very supportive of us and been very helpful,” she said.

“I was surprised and very honored, but my staff deserves credit for their efforts,” Braley said.

Cavanaugh said he also was pleased when he learned of the honor.

He said a recent study revealed that around 80 percent of women who appear in court as victims of domestic violence are with the same partner four years later.

“Over 90 percent of that 80 percent reported no further violence, and that prosecution, probation, supervision had been enough of an … impact that there was a measurable decrease in physical violence,” he said.

Cavanaugh said his first priority in such situations is the safety of the victim, and the second priority is accountability. “The person who has to be held accountable is the batterer,” he said.

“I am really proud,” said Cavanaugh’s boss, Michael Povich, district attorney for Washington and Hancock counties.