Senators Collins, King Announce Nearly $2 Million for Maine Legal Assistance Programs for Victims of Domestic Violence
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced a total of $1,117,794 for Next Step Domestic Violence Project in Ellsworth and Caring Unlimited Corporation in Sanford. The funding was awarded through the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Legal Assistance for Victims Grant Program and Improving Criminal Justice Responses Program.
“Survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence should have access to every resource available to ensure their safety,” said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. “Next Step Violence Project and Caring Unlimited have each spent decades working to coordinate local programs, improve awareness, and identify gaps in services to prevent sexual assault and domestic violence. We are pleased that these investments will help both coalitions continue their vital work to protect victims in Maine.”
“Next Step is thrilled and relieved to receive this grant, which will sustain our ability to provide pro bono legal representation to survivors of domestic violence in Washington and Hancock Counties for the next three years,” said Dorathy Martel, Executive Director of Next Step Domestic Violence Project. “Our attorneys work closely with domestic violence advocates to ensure that safety planning is at the center of every interaction, and this approach saves lives.”
The funding was awarded as follows:
- Next Step Domestic Violence Project of Ellsworth will receive $578,268 to provide attorney representation and consultation as well as legal advocacy and court accompaniment for matters related to and/or arising from domestic violence. The Next Step Domestic Violence Project will partner with Husson University to recruit and hire legal interns. The goal is to expand the knowledge base of future legal practitioners regarding domestic violence and related matters, potentially expanding the pool of people it can recruit for future positions.
- Caring Unlimited Corporation of Sanford will receive $599,526 to increase safety from intimate violence by effectively ensuring continued access to civil legal assistance for low-income and rural victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking who need, but cannot afford, to hire a lawyer to protect themselves.
This funding was awarded through the Office of Violence Against Women (OVW), an agency within the U.S. Department of Justice.
