Funding will aid violence victims
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced Sept. 6, 2016 that three Maine organizations serving five counties 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.
Aroostook County’s Hope and Justice Project will receive $500,626 over the three-year period. The funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Legal Assistance for Victims (LAV) Grant Program. HJP will implement its grant in partnership with Pine Tree Legal Services, Law Office of Christine Smith, Law Office of Toby Jandreau, and Adam Swanson, Esq. The project will allow the collaborative to support and advocate for 1,500 victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and/or stalking in Aroostook County.
Other organizations receiving three-year funding are the University of Southern Maine, which will receive a total of $598,527 for projects in Oxford and Franklin counties, and Penquis CAP Inc., which will receive $595,931 to serve individuals in Penobscot and Piscataquis counties.
“Legal services are essential for helping to ensure the safety and well-being of victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking,” said 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.”
