Every October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month unites organizations and individuals nationwide to amplify the voices and experiences of survivors. This year, recent tragic murders in Bath and Bangor underscore the urgency of our cause and remind us of the devastating impact that domestic violence has on our communities.

The heartbreaking losses of Virginia Cookson, Lacey Tidswell, Lisa Bailey and Jennifer Bailey highlight the critical need for increased resources for domestic violence victims. According to the state's latest report, domestic abuse homicides accounted for 49% of Maine's homicides from 2020 to 2023. These are not isolated events, but part of a broader pattern occurring across our state and nation. Domestic violence victims are more likely to be harmed by someone they know than by a stranger, emphasizing the need for community support and proactive interventions.

In our ongoing efforts to create a safer Maine where survivors feel heard and supported, my colleagues and I in the Legislature passed several important bills this legislative term that I want to highlight.

One initiative, sponsored Rep. Vicki Doudera, ensures that decisions about the early release of domestic abusers from county jails are made responsibly and with all of the abuser's criminal history in mind. It also importantly strengthens victim notification procedures for early releases, allowing victims to address safety concerns and access timely support. Before the passage of this law, the abuser’s prior criminal record was not taken into account when assessing early release and risk to the community, nor was the survivor made aware that their abuser was getting out early.

Another piece of legislation sponsored by Sen. Anne Carney updates Maine's domestic violence and stalking laws to align with the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision in Counterman v. Colorado (2023). This update ensures the state can continue to hold perpetrators accountable, addressing concerns about the constitutionality of Maine's terrorizing, stalking and harassment statutes. These laws are critical to our public safety response, as perpetrators of homicides engaged in prior stalking behavior in at least half of all domestic abuse homicide cases in Maine over the last 20 years.

As the former director of the Office of Violence Prevention with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services and as a member of the Maine Domestic Abuse Homicide Review Panel, I've seen the critical role that community members can play. Often, those closest to victims possess invaluable insights into dangerous relationships but feel helpless or unsure about how to intervene. We must empower bystanders with knowledge and resources to support those at risk.

This October, let's re-commit ourselves to raising awareness and taking action against domestic violence. Together, we can work towards preventing additional tragedies and create a safer Maine where no one feels alone in their struggle.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, I urge you to reach out. Local domestic violence resource centers can provide support and guidance collaborating with law enforcement in dangerous situations. Two valuable resources are:

· New Hope Midcoast at 1-800-522-3304

· The Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence at 1-866-834-4357.

Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by domestic violence.

Rep. Holly Stover is serving her third term in the Maine House and represents Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, Edgecomb, South Bristol, Southport and Westport Island. She is House chair of the Legislature’s State and Local Government Committee and serves as a member of the Joint Select Committee on Housing.