U.S. Sens. Collins, King announce more than $2.3M to prevent domestic violence and protect survivors  

U.S. Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine and Angus King, I-Maine announced that several organizations throughout Maine have been awarded a total of $2,312,338 to support rape crisis centers and assist victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking who are homeless or in need of housing assistance. The funding was awarded through the Office of Violence Against Women, an agency within the U.S. Department of Justice.

Among the recipient is Partners for Peace, in collaboration with Piscataquis County Sheriff’s Office, Millinocket Police Department, Millinocket Regional Hospital, Northern Light Mayo Regional Hospital and Rape Response Services. Partners for Peace received $510,253 to expand relationships with law enforcement, the criminal justice system and emergency departments, reduce barriers of access for older populations and expand training and resources.

“In addition to our efforts to prevent domestic violence and sexual assault, we must ensure that all survivors receive the resources they need to ensure their safety and wellbeing,” said Collins and King in a joint statement.  “This funding will help strengthen our state’s response to these crimes and allow Maine non-profit organizations to continue to protect victims in their communities.”

The funding was also allocated as follows:

• The State of Maine received $388,589 to assist rape crisis centers and organizations that provide core services, direct intervention and related assistance to victims of sexual assault, regardless of age.

• New Hope for Women in Rockland, in collaboration with Sanford Housing Authority and York County Community Action Corporation, received $515,000 to provide five scattered-site residences for five survivors and their families through private landlord housing units.

• Caring Unlimited Corporation in Sanford, in collaboration with New Ventures Maine, received $400,000 to provide 11 program-owned units and rental assistance for four scattered-site housing units. The organization also received $498,496, in collaboration with York County Sheriff’s Office, to expand personnel, increase the quality and efficiency of domestic violence case investigations, and strengthen planning and coordination efforts.

New Hope for Women, Partners for Peace and Caring Unlimited Corporations are non-profit organizations that provide a holistic, victim-centered and multidisciplinary approach to transitional housing needs in the community.   

As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, Collins consistently advocates for funding for VAWA programs. King is an original cosponsor of the Violence Against Women Act of 2019. With Collins and King’s support, Congress passed a funding package for FY 2020 that included $502.5 million for the VAWA programs – an increase of $5 million from FY 2019.  Maine has received more than $110 million through VAWA since 2006.