CALAIS – Understanding and responding to abuse could mean the difference in the life of a Washington County man, woman or child.

So the Institute for Public Sector Innovation at the Edmund S. Muskie School of Public Service is offering a three-day cross-disciplinary training on abuse starting Wednesday.

The workshops will run from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. June 4, 11 and 18. Each will be held at the First Congregational Church, 21 Calais Ave.

The team trainers will include a minister, substance abuse counselor, domestic violence advocate and a child protective caseworker.

The event also is sponsored by the Maine Department of Human Services, Bangor Theological Seminary, First Congregational Church and Keeping Children Safe Downeast, a Safe Start initiative.

The Rev. Diana Graham of the First Congregational Church said the training is aimed at a wide range of people.

Graham took the course a few months ago and is an enthusiastic supporter. “So often people come to you and you need to have the right resources,” she said Friday.

After she had gone through the training, she asked the organizers to hold a similar workshop in Washington County.

Although she has been through the course, she plans to take it again.

“This is for everyone,” she said. She said participants who already have signed up include not only ministers, but educators and medical personnel. Some are coming from Machias to participate.

“It’s three full days and they feed you,” she said. The workshop is free.

The training includes dealing with trauma; the causes, characteristics and effects of domestic abuse, substance abuse and child abuse; and the effects of neglect on children and families.

The workshop also will focus on recognizing behavior associated with abuse as well as theological issues related to abuse within the home.

There also will be a segment on how to work safely with families and community resources.

The training involves some lectures, active participation through group exercises, case studies and interaction among participants.

Preregistration is required.

For information or to receive a registration form call 454-0472 or 780-5864.