MCEDV Expert Witness Project
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Category: Latest News
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…
MCEDV Launches New Film to Promote Direct Financial Assistance for Survivors
This October, MCEDV is launching a new new short film that amplifies survivors’ voices and experiences, and builds awareness of domestic abuse and violence and the resources that are available to survivors in Maine. The film, produced by Emmy-nominated GoodFight Media, also serves as a call to action, inviting Mainers to support survivors…
Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2023: Statewide Events
MCEDV and our member programs recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence programs across Maine will host a variety of events and campaigns, honoring survivors and encouraging communities to move beyond awareness and take action to end domestic abuse. Below is just some of what will be happening, from Wells to St. Agatha…
MCEDV Dives Deep to Move Needle on Firearms and Domestic Abuse
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…
MCEDV Video Features Survivor-Advocates
Throughout MCEDV’s network there are many people working and volunteering who are survivors themselves, and still more who have other kinds of personal experience of domestic abuse and other forms of violence. In a new video compilation, MCEDV is highlighting the faces and voices of just some of these folks. Watch the video here. “We…
MCEDV Releases First Annual Impact Report at Statehouse Event, Shows Progress in Maine’s Work to End Domestic Abuse
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…