Governor Baldacci Ceremonially Signs Domestic Violence Bill

Press Release

Governor John E. Baldacci joined Senate President Beth Edmonds and other co-sponsors and supporters today for a ceremonial signing of LD 1627, An Act to Protect Families and Enhance Public Safety by Making Domestic Violence a Crime. The law makes domestic violence a Class D crime in Maine.

"We've come a long way in just a few short years, much to the credit of the partnership between the Legislature and my Administration, as well as a network of advocates," Governor Baldacci said. "Yet, we have a long way to go. Too many women and children are being victimized, and each story is tragic and compelling."

"In this bill, we have given prosecutors the tools to take this step forward in Maine and figure out how to make domestic violence itself understood," President Edmonds said. "We have given those prosecutors a way to take care of it in a better way."

LD 1627 creates the Class D crime of domestic violence, a charge that becomes a Class C crime if the person has prior convictions relating to domestic violence or has a protective order against them issued within the past three years. Governor Baldacci said that the law will help police keep better track of the violators and assist processing of weapons requests and restrictions. The Governor said that more should still be done to assist victims.

"We need to do more to help victims obtain access to comprehensive resources and assistance so they can safely get out of abusive situations," the Governor said. "This includes financial, emotional and legal help."

The bill was passed as Emergency Legislation and went into effect immediately after being signed by the Governor last month. The cost of new criminal penalties will be reviewed and reported on before the criminal provisions of the law take effect on Feb. 1, 2008.

Governor Baldacci also announced during the ceremony that the Maine Department of Public Safety was awarded $800,000 Wednesday morning from the STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grants Program, a grant established by the Violence Against Women Act of 2005 to aid state and local governments and nonprofit organizations in the development of violence prevention programs that serve women. The Governor said the Department is currently soliciting proposals for projects to enhance the apprehension and prosecution of persons committing acts of domestic violence, and to improve services to victims of domestic violence.

Source