Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today (Sept. 6) that three Maine organizations will receive a total of $1,695,084 over three years to support legal services for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.  The organizations receiving funding will serve individuals living in Oxford, Franklin, Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Aroostook Counties.

“Legal services are essential for helping to ensure the safety and wellbeing of victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking,” said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. “This funding will bolster these advocacy organizations’ efforts to provide high-quality legal assistance for victims as well as create additional resources for those who need them.”

The funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Legal Assistance for Victims (LAV) Grant Program. The three Maine organizations receiving funding are as follows:

Oxford and Franklin Counties

• The University of Southern Maine will receive $598,527 over three years. The funding will be implemented by the Tri-County Advocacy Project, which consists of the University of Southern Maine, Muskie School of Public Service; Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project; Pine Tree Legal Assistance; Maine Volunteer Lawyers Project; Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Services; United Somali Women of Maine; and Safe Voices. The funding will be used to target unserved or underserved populations within Oxford and Franklin Counties in Maine that have experienced sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking.

Penobscot and Piscataquis Counties

• Penquis C.A.P., Incorporated will receive $595,931 over three years. The Penquis Law Project will implement its LAV grant with Spruce Run-Womancare Alliance and Rape Response Services. This partnership will provide holistic civil legal assistance, advocacy, and support services to victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking in Penobscot and Piscataquis Counties.

Aroostook County

• Hope And Justice Project, Incorporated will receive $500,626 over three years. The Hope & Justice Project will implement its LAV grant in partnership with Pine Tree Legal Services, Law Office of Christine Smith, Law Office of Toby Jandreau, and Adam Swanson, Esq. The project will allow the collaborative to support and advocate for 1,500 victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and/or stalking in Aroostook County.