MCEDV Expert Witness Project
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Blog
Federal Funding Cut Threatens Maine’s DV and Abuse Initiatives
Watch the interview with MCEDV executive director Francine Garland Stark and York County survivor Ceci on WGME’s Spotlight on ME series. Domestic abuse is one of Maine’s biggest issues. Annually, nearly half of the state’s homicides are perpetrated by a family member or current or former partner of the victim. Since the 1970s, Maine has…
OpEd: Slashing Medicaid Funding Puts Maine Domestic Violence Survivors at Risk
Slashing Federal Medicaid Funding Puts Maine Domestic Violence Survivors at Risk By MCEDV executive director Francine Garland Stark When the U.S. House of Representatives passed its “big beautiful bill” last week, it sent shivers down the spines of domestic violence advocates because we know what slashing Medicaid funding would mean for people facing domestic violence.…
FEDERAL FUNDING FREEZE POSES IMMEDIATE EXISTENTIAL THREAT TO MAINE’S RESPONSE TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
FEDERAL FUNDING FREEZE POSES IMMEDIATE EXISTENTIAL THREAT TO MAINE’S RESPONSE TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: Maine’s movement to end domestic violence is facing an unprecedented crisis. On Jan. 27, the federal Office of Budget and Management issued an executive order pausing the disbursement of federal grants and loans. This includes money already approved for ongoing grant-funded projects.…
MCEDV Mental Health Training: Feb. 11 & 13
MCEDV’s Amanda Taisey and Safe Voices’ Tori Delinas will offer a virtual Mental Health Training on January 11 & 13. Day One: Module 1&2 | February 11, 2025 | 9:00 – 4:30 Day Two: Module 3&4 | February 13, 2025 | 9:00 – 4:30 Register HERE. This training consists of four modules offered over two…
MCEDV, MECASA & Network Advocates, Legislators Hold Rally and Press Conference in Support of Victims’ Services
Yesterday, MCEDV, the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault, Pine Tree Legal Assistance, Legal Services for Maine Elders, legislators, advocates, and survivors held a rally and press conference at the Maine State House in support of funding for victims’ services in Maine. Senator Anne Carney, sponsor of a bill to ensure the continuation of state funds…
Maine Acts to Strengthen Stalking Laws
This winter, both the Maine Legislature and the Maine Law Court acted to protect a strong statutory response to stalking crimes in our state. Last June, the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Counterman v. Colorado raised constitutional questions about some of Maine’s statutes, including our stalking statute. The decision immediately resulted in litigation in Maine’s…
Survivors Speak Out re: the Impact of VOCA-Funded Programs
On January 23, 2024, Maine survivors shared their stories with the Legislature’s Joint Standing Committee on Judiciary as part of the Public Hearing on LD 2084: An Act to Provide Funding for Essential Services for Victims of Crime. Survivors spoke and wrote about how important services provided by domestic violence programs have been to them,…
Maine Domestic Abuse Homicide Review Panel Releases 14th Biennial Report
The Maine Domestic Abuse Homicide Review Panel released its 14th biennial report yesterday at a press conference at the State House. Speakers included Governor Janet Mills, Attorney General Aaron Frey, Assistant Attorney General Lisa Marchese, and MCEDV Executive Director Francine Garland Stark. The Panel, comprised of professionals from multiple systems and state agencies, reviews cases…
Second Cohort Completes the Maine Victim Assistance Academy
By Kelly O’Connor, MCEDV Systems Advocacy Director The second cohort of victim services professionals completed the Maine Victim Assistance Academy (MVAA) after attending the Fall 2023 MVAA Closing Summit in Auburn on December 4th and 5th. This year, participants included: Victim Witness Advocates representing eight different prosecutors’ offices, one tribal court, and the U.S. Attorney’s…