Tell Lawmakers to Ensure Essential Funding for Domestic Violence Services!
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 Domestic Violence Resource Centers in providing lifesaving and life-changing services. Due to flat funding and rising costs, domestic violence resource centers have had to cut staff by more than 25% in the last five years, but the demand for these services has not decreased. This funding needs to get into the state budget. We are grateful to our bill champion, Representative Michele Meyer, and the Health and Human Services Committee for unanimously voting to tell AFA this funding should be prioritized, but Governor Mills and the Maine Legislature need to hear from Mainers like you.
Wondering how to tell Maine lawmakers what you think about the need to fund domestic violence services? Here’s how you can help:
- Send an email to Governor Mills’ office asking her to prioritize increased funding for domestic violence services in her budget proposal.
Tell them:
- Domestic violence continues to be the leading cause of crime in Maine. Flat funding for advocates is a reduction in services, and survivors in Maine need us to do better. Maine’s budget priorities must reflect our commitment to building a safer and more equitable community for us all. Funding LD 875 to increase state investment in domestic violence services must be a priority. Please put this funding into the Supplemental Budget.
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- On any given day, Maine’s domestic violence resource centers work with over 500 people across Maine. The number of people calling MCEDV’s statewide 24/7 crisis helpline last year was 33% higher than it was in 2019, but the number of paid staff trained to help has decreased by 27%. The complexity of the need is overwhelming, and Maine’s domestic violence service providers desperately need more support. Funding LD 875 to increase state investment in domestic violence services must be a priority. Please put this funding into the Supplemental Budget.
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- Advocates from Domestic Violence Resource Centers are the frontline resource for survivors trying to find a way to be safe – a pathway to protect themselves and their children. Last year, they provided services to over 14,000 people and responded to over 18,000 crisis helpline calls at all hours of the day and night. Funding LD 875 to increase state investment in domestic violence services must be a priority. Please put this funding into the Supplemental Budget.
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- Tell Maine Lawmakers why funding domestic violence services is important to you! Ask them to fully fund LD 875 in the Supplemental Budget.
Thank you for your support in ensuring survivors and their children in Maine continue to have access to specialized, critical domestic violence services.