Survivors’ access to legal representation in civil court reduces the probability of future domestic violence*: Survivors rate the filing of a protection order as one of the two most effective tools for stopping domestic violence, second only to separating from the abuser.** In one study, 83% of survivors represented by an attorney successfully obtained a…
H.R. 1585, a bill to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), was introduced in the United States House of Representatives last week. This bipartisan bill, sponsored by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pennsylvania) and Rep. Karen Bass (D-California), presents the opportunity to maintain crucial funding for victims’ services and strengthen VAWA’s commitment to at-risk communities. The Violence Against Women Act…
UPDATE 3/14/19: This training is full. You are welcome to register yourself on the waitlist at the link below, and you will be notified if a spot opens up. We encourage you to also sign up for training updates at this link to get notifications for future trainings. Join us in Augusta on April 3rd,…
MCEDV will offer our 12 hour training curriculum for mental health professionals this spring. Trainings will take place in Augusta, in collaboration with Family Violence Project, our local member. Additional dates and locations will be added soon. This training was developed to meet the 2020 licensure requirement for social workers, counselors and psychologists. Please save…
Many of our partners have expressed concern about changes to the definition of domestic violence reportedly made by the Trump administration, according to an article in Slate. We are grateful for the support and solidarity of our community in the face of a reported threat. We want to clarify that, while the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women’s website…
On Tuesday, October 9th, MCEDV gathered with community partners – including representatives from the Attorney General’s office, law enforcement, and surviving family members – to announce the release of the 12th Report of the Maine Domestic Violence Homicide Review Panel. The Report, which is produced through the Attorney General’s Office and focuses on identifying specific…
Each year, our member Domestic Violence Resource Centers throughout Maine host events, campaigns and vigils during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. We have compiled a list of events happening throughout the state. Find it here. Note: the list is subject to change; be sure to connect with your local Domestic Violence Resource Center on social media…
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Since 1987, when the first DVAM was observed, we have accomplished so much through raising awareness – through getting people to understand and acknowledge that domestic violence is a serious problem for our communities. But now, in 2018, it is time to evolve our approach. It is time to move…
Too often, the possibility that a powerful figure has committed sexual assault or domestic abuse is considered less important than the position that individual holds and the value they bring to their position. This dynamic has for centuries kept victims isolated and silent, resulting in the punishment of those who do speak out. We offer…
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas introduced the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2018. VAWA was first passed with bipartisan support in 1994, and since then each iteration has included important improvements that expand the safety net for survivors of the range of crimes covered by the law, including domestic abuse, dating abuse, stalking,…
