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Commissioners proclaim October Domestic Violence Action Month and note new grant support
Summary
The board read a proclamation recognizing October as Domestic Violence Action Month; county partners cited 2023 service figures for the state and county resource center and announced a new multi-year award to support enhanced services starting Oct. 1.
At the October meeting, commissioners issued a proclamation designating October as Domestic Violence Action Month and heard from intervention partners about recent service levels and new grant awards.
Sheila Sotava read the proclamation, which cited statewide and county statistics from 2023: the New York–style reading in the packet listed that in 2023 "15,147 people received help from the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence Resource Centers" and that the Cumberland County domestic-violence resource center served 2,958 unduplicated individuals, answered 8,102 helpline calls and provided 5,480 bed nights. Jen Anis, the county's intervention partnership coordinator, thanked the commissioners and noted that ARPA and other funds have bolstered local survivor emergency funds.
County staff said the office received an award from the Office on Violence Against Women (start date Oct. 1) to support expanded services for survivors; staff credited local advocates—including Liz Blackwell Moore—for helping prepare a strong application.
Why it matters: the proclamation and the multi-year funding aim to sustain emergency shelter capacity, helpline services and survivor support at a time when post-pandemic needs remain elevated. Commissioners expressed appreciation for partners and urged continued community support.
The board unanimously approved the proclamation and acknowledged local advocacy and funding partners. No formal policy change accompanied the proclamation.
