On July 29, a new state law went into effect, creating a clear boundary between Maine law enforcement and federal immigration enforcement. The Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence supported this initiative (LD 1971) during the last legislative session in part because the Trump administration’s war on immigrants, and the public entanglement of some in Maine’s law enforcement…
MCEDV participated in a recent episode of Maine Calling about the financial toll of domestic violence and MCEDV’s Liberation Fund, which provides direct financial assistance for survivors. Panelists included MCEDV executive director Francine Garland Stark; Meranne Behrends, Co-Founder & CEO of Words From the Woods, the creative ad agency that produced the Fund Safety campaign…
Maine’s political landscape was upended by the revelations about Graham Platner’s behavior toward women. The tide of support for Platner’s candidacy, however, signified the deep desire of many Mainers for the federal government to ensure that all have access to quality healthcare, thriving wages, affordable housing, and the other basic components necessary for living safe…
The 132nd Maine Legislature adjourned on April 14, 2026. In this short session, we focused much of our advocacy on critical funding needs, both for survivor services and for the programs that seek to change the behavior of those who abuse. “An Act to Prevent DV by Providing Adequate Funding Support for Court-ordered Certified DV…
Domestic violence among immigrants in the U.S. is a serious, underrecognized and complex problem. The Alliance for Immigrant Survivors suggests fear of deportation, lack of financial resources, language barriers, education level, and cultural practices impact victim access to – and likelihood of engaging with – important resources. The National Network to End Domestic Violence finds…
We have an opportunity right now – a moral imperative – to stare this moment in the eye and refuse to look away. But how? Like many, I have been reading through the Epstein files and trying to make sense of the horrendous and devastating things documented in those pages. As I search for understanding…
Domestic abuse so dominates our news feeds that it risks becoming background noise, rather than the urgent crisis that it is. In Maine and beyond, the stories are objectively horrifying. A few recents: A Trenton man was arrested after police responding to a domestic violence call found him with multiple explosive devices. The former lieutenant…
We Need Your Help – Tell Lawmakers to Ensure Essential Funding for Domestic Violence Services! Despite broad bipartisan support last session, LD 875, An Act to Fund Essential Services for Victims of Domestic Violence, remains with the Joint Standing Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs. LD 875 will provide a critically needed increase in state funds to support Maine’s regional…
According to reporting, the Mainer who opened fire at an ice rink in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, was targeting their ex-wife and family members. We send our greatest sympathies to the people and the community who are affected by the actions of this individual. An investigation is ongoing, as law enforcement in both Maine and Rhode Island do their work. While there’s much we don’t yet know…
On Tuesday, February 2nd, members of the Maine Domestic Abuse Homicide Review Panel gathered at the Statehouse to share its 15th Biennial Report, titled “Coming Together for Safety”. The report is the culmination of the Panel’s review of 20 domestic abuse homicides occurring between 2021 and 2024. Governor Janet Mills, Attorney General Aaron M. Frey,…
