Sen. Duson presents key legislation to increase pay for statewide sexual assault survivor advocates

Posted: March 28, 2025 | Senator Duson

AUGUSTA — On March 20, 2025, Senate Assistant Majority Leader Jill C. Duson, D-Portland, introduced a bill to increase the base pay for advocates of sexual assault survivors at the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MECASA). LD 117, “An Act to Provide Funding for Sexual Assault Services,” was the subject of a public hearing before the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee. 

Senator Jill Duson, D-Portland, delivers testimony introducing LD 117 before the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee

“Maine’s sexual assault survivor advocates are the backbone of our state’s response to sexual violence in all its forms,” said Sen. Duson. “Their work and dedication to justice is nothing short of heroic, and sometimes lifesaving, for those that rely on it. They are also vital to the safety and health of our communities. I am proud to work alongside advocates from MECASA on this this bill and look forward to moving it across the finish line.”

LD 117, as written, would provide $1,000,000 to the Department of Health and Human Services through the Purchased Social Services initiative to provide funding for sexual assault survivor advocates. In the 131st Legislature, Senator Duson sponsored LD 566 (nearly identical to this session’s LD 117), which would’ve increased wages for sexual assault survivor advocates but was pocket-vetoed by Gov. Janet Mills following adjournment of the Legislature. 

The bill is cosponsored by a slate of bipartisan legislators including: Rep. Carlow, R-Buxton; Sen. Bennett, R-Oxford; Pres. Daughtry, D-Brunswick; Sen. Hickman, D-Winthrop; Rep. Gattine, D-Westbrook; Rep. Gramlich, D-Old Orchard Beach; Rep. Milliken, D-Blue Hill; Rep. Moonen, D-Portland; and Rep. Stover, D-Boothbay.

“Right now, only four of the seven centers in Maine providing sexual assault services work can afford to pay their staff a livable wage. The work is being undervalued, and the dedicated professionals doing it are bearing the consequences,” said Mattie Daughtry, President of the Maine Senate. “This bill would provide desperately needed funding to ensure fairer pay for staff, strengthening these services and the people who rely on them. While more must be done, this funding sets a crucial baseline for compensation.”

“Sexual violence advocates are not just kind-hearted volunteers; they are highly trained professionals who provide essential services 24/7,” said Donna Strickler, Executive Director of the Sexual Assault Crisis & Support Center serving Kennebec and Somerset Counties, in written testimony to the committee. “They respond to crisis calls, accompany survivors to hospitals for forensic exams, assist with navigating the legal system, and connect victims to crucial resources for housing, counseling, and safety planning. This work requires deep empathy, specialized knowledge, and the ability to manage trauma with professionalism and care.” 

Nearly 100 members of the public including survivors, survivor advocates, law enforcement professionals and clinical providers provided written or spoken testimony to the Health and Human Services Committee. 

LD 117 faces further action in committee.