Mission & Philosophy

Mission Statement

MCEDV advocates for the right of all people to live free from domestic abuse and all forms of violence.

Philosophy Statement

The Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence believes violence in intimate relationships is supported and encouraged by our culture. The use of force or threat to achieve and maintain control is manifested in sexism, racism, homophobia, classism, anti-Semitism, ableism, ageism, and other oppression. All of our struggles against oppression are related.

Any person in an intimate relationship could be battered. Our individual and collective success in overcoming oppression depends upon working together toward changing individual and institutional behaviors and societal attitudes that allow the abuse of vulnerable people, primarily women and children.

We support equality in relationships and oppose the use of violence as a means of control over others. All people have the right to control their own lives. Support, information, and access to resources strengthen control of their lives. To create a violence-free world, we must also recognize children’s needs and include them in our struggle.