Need for Additional Resources to Fund Maine’s DVRC’s
By rebeccah
Letter to the Editor, Portland Press Herald
March 2026
Maine’s domestic violence (DV) resource centers are no longer able to meet the demand for our services. At Through These Doors, Cumberland County’s only DV resource center, we were forced to reduce staffing levels due to flat funding from the State of Maine and reduced federal funds. These employees answer our 24-hour crisis helpline, staff emergency shelter for people fleeing a dangerous partner, provide safety planning in groups and at local courthouses, and much more.
Domestic violence has been called Maine’s #1 public safety problem. Each year, roughly half of Maine’s homicides are domestic homicide; these crimes are committed by someone intent on killing an intimate partner and often others are caught in the crossfire: family members, children, neighbors, and pets. At TTD, we know that our advocacy and support makes a difference. The engagement we have with the person being victimized helps them create ways to plan for their own safety, sometimes within multiple phone calls, attendance at support group, perhaps living in shelter for a time, working through legal challenges, and accessing financial resources.
There is little controversy about the need for our services. Domestic violence is well known as Maine’s most pressing public safety problem and our support in Augusta crosses the aisle. Law enforcement and Maine’s courts recognize domestic violence advocacy as an essential part of community safety, helping those victimized stay safer and being part of a system of accountability for those causing the harm. We function within systems of child welfare, healthcare, employers, and faith communities to coordinate and improve responses to increase survivor safety.
LD 875, An Act to Fund Essential Services for DV, currently being considered by Maine’s legislature, would increase state funds for Maine’s DV resource centers. We ask you reach out to your local senator and representative and encourage them to support LD 875. As costs increase with the demand for our advocacy, sustaining these services is not optional, it is essential.
Rebecca Hobbs, Co-Executive Director, Through These Doors
Resident of Portland, ME