The Maine House of Representatives voted unanimously Tuesday, June 20 to enact legislation sponsored by Rep. Holly Stover, D-Boothbay, that would help support survivors and help prevent the sexual exploitation of children. 

LD 1092, as amended, would direct the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to create a program to support regional Child Advocacy Centers and community-based agencies to respond to suspected child sexual abuse and commercial exploitation. The department would also develop a three-year plan by March 1, 2024, to ensure a coordinated, child-centered approach from all agencies working to address the suspected sexual abuse and commercial exploitation of children. 

Additionally, the bill would fund six additional positions at Child Advocacy Centers, expanding preventative care throughout the state. These positions include two commercial sexual exploitation prevention coordinators located in southern and northern Maine, three intensive case manager positions at community-based agencies to provide ongoing support to victims and a part-time position within a statewide coalition of Child Advocacy Centers. 

“There is currently a shortfall of resources to support victims, especially while their cases are pending in court,” said Stover. “During this vulnerable time, Child Advocacy Centers are crucial for offering support and taking proactive steps, including forensic exams, to prevent further commercial exploitation of children. This bill supports their work to empower victims and prevent violence against our kids.” 

In testimony supporting the bill, the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MECASA) reported that its Child Advocacy Centers have seen 135 cases of commercial sexual exploitation since 2018. However, a report from Hornby Zeller Associates estimates that there are 300 to 400 unreported victims of sex trafficking in Maine each year. 

Support for survivors of sexual violence is available 24/7 in Maine through MECASA’s free, private helpline at 1-800-871-7741. 

The bill faces further votes. 

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.