BILL STRENGTHENING PROTECTIONS FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE BECOMES LAW

Law sponsored by Senator Cain takes effect immediately

AUGUSTA— A bill sponsored by Democratic Senator Emily Cain of Orono to increase safety for victims of domestic violence became law yesterday with the signature of the Governor.

“Victims of domestic violence are now safer under Maine law because of this bipartisan effort,” said Senator Cain. “This law provides much-needed protection to victims of domestic violence who are trying to get back on their feet and build a new life for themselves and their families.”

The new law makes it clear that abusers are not to contact victims while being detained for domestic violence crimes prior to bail being set by a judge. It also clarifies protection for survivors participating in the Address Confidentiality Program, a critical program maintained by the Office of the Secretary of State that helps keep victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking safe from their abusers.

The measure builds upon a law sponsored by then-House Democratic Leader Cain requiring that law enforcement officers receive training to use evidence-based domestic violence risk assessments, and the creation of high-risk response teams. The law ensures that law enforcement officers may share someone’s criminal history record with advocates in order to plan the most effective response when domestic violence occurs.

“We identified a loophole that needed to be closed and ways to strengthen and clarify existing laws to better protect victims of domestic violence,” added Senator Cain. “I am incredibly thankful to all the people who came together to get this critical proposal passed into law.”

The bill, LD 1656, “An Act to Increase Safety for Victims of Domestic Violence,” was amended to be an emergency measure, signed into law by the Governor, and will take effect immediately.

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