October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Since 1987, when the first Domestic Violence Awarness Month was observed, we have accomplished so much by raising awareness by getting people to understand and acknowledge that domestic violence is a serious problem for our communities. In 2018, it is time to evolve our approach. It is time to…
The right to determine what happens to our physical selves has everything to do with our safety and wellbeing. Attacks on bodily autonomy are central to the issue of domestic violence. The behavior of those who commit domestic abuse is rooted in the belief that they have the right to make decisions about every facet…
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…
by Kelly O’Connor, MCEDV Training Institute Director In a country and a state where the sheer number of firearms boggles the mind, taking a pragmatic approach to reducing the risk for gun violence – and in particular, the risk for domestic violence homicide and serious injury – is paramount. Since the guns themselves are not…
This week, MCEDV released our first annual Impact Report, which details and celebrates our accomplishments in areas related to housing for survivors, financial empowerment, firearms relinquishment, and more. The report was released as part of Domestic Violence Day at the Statehouse, where we were joined by partners in the movement to end domestic abuse, supporters…
We have been selected to receive a $550,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to implement a Justice for Families (JFF) program in Maine. Twenty-five other programs across the country have also received funding to implement their own JFF projects. Maine’s three-year grant will help establish free supervised visitation and safe exchange services in…
On July 11, MCEDV’s Francine Garland Stark and Andrea Mancuso joined other state domestic violence coalitions at the White House, alongside survivors of gun violence and family members of those killed by firearms, to recognize passage of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act is the first substantial federal legislation in decades…
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas introduced the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2018. The Violence Against Women Act first passed with bipartisan support in 1994. Since then, each iteration has included important improvements that expand the safety net for survivors with the range of crimes covered by the law, including domestic abuse, dating…
Domestic abuse and violence is a pattern of controlling behavior in the context of a current or former relationship. One person purposefully seeks to limit the rights of their partner. The actions of the abusive person are purposeful and chosen. They are based on a belief system that tells them they are entitled to privilege…
Are you someone who cares about young people? Maybe you are a parent, coach, teacher, faith leader, or policy maker. Are you a young person yourself? Whoever you are, this Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month tells us why you care about ending teen dating abuse, and why you take action to foster healthy…
