HOULTON, Maine — In an effort to provide more assistance to victims of domestic violence, the Houlton Police Department is joining forces with the Hope and Justice Project.
“The Houlton Police Department has seen an increase of domestic violence cases this year,” Chief Joe McKenna said. “In entering into this agreement, we will be sharing our cases and have the Hope and Justice Project staff involved from the initial report.”
The Houlton Police Department signed an “information sharing agreement” with the Hope and Justice Project that will provide victims with assistance early in the criminal justice process and to provide support with both the mental and physical stresses of a trial.
Project staff will also assist the victim in relocation needs should that be required and will work with the district attorney’s victim advocate services to aid the victim.
“A lot of times our victims are very reluctant [to press charges] because of what they will have to go through with,” Chief McKenna said. “Having an advocate with them through a lot of the steps, whether it be in court, or helping with medical issues or relocation will be a big help. We really don’t have the time or resources to do that.”
“There is a 48-hour window where officers have to do follow-up interviews with victims of domestic violence,” explained Karan Wotton, criminal justice coordinator for Hope and Justice. “This agreement states an advocate may, or may not, go with [police] during that time.”
Presque Isle and Houlton, as well as the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Office and Maine State Police, have all signed on to the information sharing agreement. Since Hope and Justice also has offices in Madawaska and Fort Kent, officials are hoping other police departments in northern Aroostook County will follow suit.
“We’re hoping as the word gets out, and more agencies learn what it is we are doing together, they will want to be a part of it too,” Wotton said.
According to their website (http://www.hopeandjusticeproject.org/), the goals of the Hope and Justice Project are to:
– Help people whose family and dating relationships are affected by abuse and violence.
– Provide prevention education and training programs that encourage and support safe, joyful relationships.
– Encourage community members to recognize and understand the nature of abuse and violence, to help repair the harm done, and to change the social conditions that tolerate and foster violence.
