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LD 888: An Act to Ensure Ongoing ​Services for Victims of Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence



​You can help us secure vital funding for
sexual violence support services!

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​In the last legislative session, Maine’s first increase in funding for sexual assault and domestic violence service providers in more than two decades was approved. However, those funds (referred to as Funds for Healthy Maine or FHM) were only appropriated for two years. This June, that FHM funding will run out, and our state’s prevention and victim advocacy services will see a $5 million deficit. LD 888: An Act to Ensure Ongoing Services for Victims of Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence would ensure continued, vital funding for domestic and sexual violence services across the state.

In the Midcoast, we received $140,000—more than 15% of our annual budget—from FHM. This funding has allowed us to enhance the organizational planning and staffing of our prevention education team. As a result, our school-based prevention education participation has increased by 344% and our community-based prevention education participation has increased by 444%. That means over 5,000 school-aged children (and even more community members) have been able to learn about ways we, as individuals and a community, can work together to end interpersonal violence in Maine. 
 
Right now, one third of our staff members are partially or fully funded by FHM. Without funding to maintain our current team, our ability to provide prevention education and victim advocacy services in our Midcoast communities—especially services targeted towards youth—will be severely and directly impacted… just as we anticipate an increase in service needs as we come out of isolation from the pandemic. LD 888 would help to prevent gaps in prevention and response services across the state and right here in the Midcoast.
 
How can you help? We’re looking for supporters who are willing to give oral or written testimony in support of LD 888. That includes anyone impacted by sexual or domestic violence:
  • Survivors
  • Loved ones of survivors
  • Community partners and providers
  • Parents and caregivers with children who participate in school-based education
  • Businesses who have registered for one of our trainings
  • College students who attend a center’s SV/DV presentations
  • Any community member concerned about interpersonal violence
 
See the PDF below for information about the bill, testimony needs/requirements, and a template for your submission. All testimony will be published online with the submitter’s name and town of residence (or the name of the organization you are representing). All testimony must be submitted no later than noon (12pm EST) on March 29 in order to be reviewed for the hearing on March 30. Testimony can be submitted through the Maine Coalition to End Sexual Violence or through the form below. Please email us if you have any questions.

​We appreciate your time and consideration. We can’t do this without you!
LD 888 Testimony Information
File Size: 34 kb
File Type: docx
Download File

    Testimony Submission Form

Submit

Nondiscrimination Policy

Sexual Assault Support Services of Midcoast Maine does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex/gender, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation and all other characteristics and status in any group protected by city, state and federal laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment and to the provision of any services offered or provided by the agency.

Office Drop-ins

​Please call the State-wide Sexual Assault Helpline to set up a time with an advocate to meet with you in person at one of our offices. Our advocates are not available to the public in SASSMM/CAC office spaces 24/7. We require an advanced notice to ensure that an advocate can be available and present to meet with you to help address your needs.



Statewide Sexual Assault Helpline: 1-800-871-7741

Administrative Office: 
​
(207) 725-2181

P.O. Box 990
Brunswick, ME 04011
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SASSMM serves a portion of Wabanaki territory also known as Midcoast Maine.
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  • Home
  • About Us
    • Mission, Vision, & Services
    • Supporting Marginalized Communities
    • Get Involved
    • Events
    • Contact
  • Services
    • Help Now
    • In-Person Support
    • Support Groups
    • HelpRoom
    • Sexual Violence
    • Resources
    • Toolkit for Teens
    • Your Questions
  • Midcoast CAC
    • About the MCAC
    • CAC Process
    • Responding to Disclosures
    • Resources & Support for Caregivers
  • Education
    • Elementary School
    • Middle School
    • High School
    • For our Community
    • About Prevention
    • Child Protective Unit Assessment
    • Social Media
    • Share Your Story
  • Donate
    • Ways to Donate
    • Merchandise