U.S. ATTORNEY’S OFFICE FOR THE DISTRICT OF MAINE OBSERVES DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

PORTLAND, Maine: - The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Maine is proud to join the U.S. Department of Justice, the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), Tribal Nations, and communities across the country in observing Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) this October. We reaffirm our dedication to using every available resource and building strategic partnerships with local law enforcement, fellow prosecutors, and victim service organizations to ensure justice, safety, and healing for victims.

"Domestic violence is a complex and pervasive issue that affects individuals across economic, racial, gender, religious and societal lines," said U.S. Attorney Andrew B. Benson. "Addressing the issue requires a multi-faceted approach focused on prevention, outreach, education, and, particularly with respect our office, consequences for perpetrators."

Each year, DVAM gives us an opportunity to focus on our collective responsibility to address domestic violence and emphasize the importance of collective action. In fiscal years 2025 and 2026, OVW granted funding to multiple local organizations including the Maine Department of Public Safety, the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Partners for Peace, the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault, Disability Rights Maine, the Next Stop Domestic Violence Project, Safe Voices, the Mi'Kmaq Nation, the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Penobscot Indian Nation, the Family Violence Project, New Hope for Women, and Pine Tree Legal Assistance.

By raising awareness about domestic violence during DVAM, we can bring everyone together to end the abuse. We encourage all who live in our jurisdiction to learn more about domestic violence and take meaningful action to support friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors who may be affected. Victims deserve safety, dignity, and justice. By understanding the signs of abuse and connecting victims to resources, we can all play a role in creating safer communities.

We are committed to prosecuting those who violate federal laws, collaborating with local law enforcement and prosecutors, and ensuring victims have access to the resources they need. Together, we can bring hope to those in need and build a future free from domestic violence. For more information on domestic violence or to access resources, please visit the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence website at mcedv.org.

The Department of Justice funds essential victim services through its grantmaking. Grantees of OVW and the Department's Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) run programs that support victims in the aftermath of domestic violence. There is help available, including the National Domestic Violence Hotline, 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), and the StrongHearts Native Helpline, 1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483). In addition, OVW's Resources for Victims and Survivors webpage lists national hotlines as well as state, territorial, and Tribal domestic violence and sexual assault coalitions that can direct victims to local resources and services, as well as opportunities to get involved.

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