Domestic violence support services need more funding

To the Editor;

Each year, more than 12,000 Mainers reach out to their local domestic violence resource centers for help, safety, and support. In Penobscot and Piscataquis counties, Partners for Peace answered 3,865 crisis calls, supported 1,633 survivors and 1,332 children, provided 2,722 nights of shelter, and assisted 679 survivors navigating the legal system — all at no cost to those we serve.

These numbers reflect just how vital our services are — and just how many people will be negatively affected if sustainable state funding doesn’t come through.

State support has not kept pace with inflation or rising needs. Despite our best efforts — writing grants, fundraising locally, stretching limited dollars — our organization has had to eliminate essential staff positions and reduce services. That includes the loss of our prevention educator, groups coordinator, shelter program manager, and 24-hour hospital accompaniment, even for non-fatal strangulation survivors. These losses have created incredible detriment for victims and survivors of domestic violence in our communities.

Several key bills — LD 875, LD 698, LD 666, LD 1139 — would provide essential funding to domestic and sexual violence services across Maine. All four have passed both the House and the Senate with strong bipartisan support. Now, they await action from the Special Appropriations Table, where funding decisions are finalized.

Maine has an opportunity to show up for survivors, and for the people who answer their calls in their most vulnerable moments.

I urge lawmakers to fully fund these bills to invest in the safety and dignity of all who experience abuse.

Maria Cameron

Board member

Partners for Peace

Levant