Collins, King announce nearly $1.7M to support

Legal services for domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking victims

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) announced that three Maine organizations will receive a total of $1,695,084 over three years to support legal services for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The organizations receiving the near $1.7 million will serve individuals living in Oxford, Franklin, Penobscot, Piscataquis and Aroostook counties.

Penquis will receive $595,931 over three years. The Penquis Law Project will implement its Legal Assistance for Victims (LAV) grant with the Spruce Run-Womancare Alliance and Rape Response Services. This partnership will provide holistic civil legal assistance, advocacy and support services to victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking in Penobscot and Piscataquis counties.

“Legal services are essential for helping to ensure the safety and wellbeing of victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking,” said Sens. Collins and King in a joint statement. “This funding will bolster these advocacy organizations’ efforts to provide high-quality legal assistance for victims as well as create additional resources for those who need them.”

The funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Justice’s LAV Grant Program.