Governor Ceremonially Signs Bill to Expand Community Response to Domestic Violence

Press Release

Governor Ceremonially Signs Bill to Expand Community Response to Domestic Violence

Governor John E. Baldacci today ceremonially signed LD 324, "An Act To Allow Limited Information Sharing in Domestic Violence Cases." The legislation, originally signed by the Governor May 21, provides for certain information about domestic violence cases to be shared with advocates for the purpose of aiding victims.

"This is a voluntary program and one that has strict requirements on what and how information is used so that we can both have a greater impact on assisting victims while protecting sensitive information about their case," said Governor Baldacci. "I want to thank those who worked so hard on this bill, including its sponsor Rep. Anne Haskell (D-Portland), Commissioner Anne Jordan of the Maine Department of Public Safety and domestic violence advocacy organizations."

The bill calls for law enforcement agencies to work with domestic violence advocacy organizations to develop coordinated responses to help victims. There are prohibitions, strengthened by penalties, against the sharing of confidential information or information related to the investigation of an alleged crime.

Following a law passed in the last Legislative session, the Maine Department of Public Safety last year held a series of community forums and meetings with stakeholders to review the supports and protections available to victims of domestic violence. The Department's report, released in February, can be found online at http://www.maine.gov/dps/Docs/LD%201990%20Report.pdf

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