Family Violence Project

Programs: 1)individual advocacy: our confidential 24-hour toll free help line provided assistance on 6,667 calls from people affected by domestic violence in fy2017. Advocates offer emotional support, information on protection orders, crisis intervention, referrals, support groups, safety planning, housing options and general information about domestic violence to victims and concerned others. Advocates are also available to meet people in any of our offices in skowhegan, waterville and augusta. Court advocates assist victims in the civil legal process of filing protection from abuse orders to protect them from their abusive partners. Court advocacy is one of the most rapidly growing areas of service. Court advocates assisted 668 individuals last year, which has a tremendous impact on immediate and long term safety for victims. Our support groups provide a place for survivors of domestic violence to receive support, resource information and to share their stories with others who have experienced abuse. In fy2017, 102 survivors attended our support groups.

2)substance abuse shelter: the shelter in somerset county, funded by an ovw federal grant, provides a safe place for victims of domestic violence who have substance abuse and/or addiction issues. All clients receive domestic violence advocacy, highly individualized intensive outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment, as well as assistance with transportation and childcare as needed. Residents attend groups focusing on domestic violence, parenting and financial literacy. They receive support navigating the medical system, addressing legal issues, establishing new healthy recreational interests, promoting healthy diet and exercise, as well as supports specific to the individual's or family's needs. In fiscal year 2017, 30 people received services in our substance abuse shelter.

3)shelter services: our kennebec county shelter provides temporary emergency shelter for domestic violence victims and their children who have been forced to leave their homes because of partner violence or threats of violence; last year, 52 residents were helped with obtaining housing, tanf, food stamps, mainecare, housing assistance, employment and other resources residents needed in order to rebuild their lives. 100% of clients who request shelter receive assistance and/or a referral for appropriate sheltering.

menswork: the mission of menswork is to help men acknowledge their abusive behaviors and beliefs, identify their use of violence and coercive control, and learn to treat partners and children with respect rather than abuse. This certified batterer education program offers change opportunities for abusive men using the nationally recognized domestic abuse intervention project's duluth model (daip). The goal of the education program is to stop male violence and promote individual responsibility. In fy17, 69 men successfully completed our 48 week program. Supportive housing: this program offers safe, secure and affordable permanent housing and supports for victims and their children as they make the transition from living in an abusive home. Support is offered to assist residents working toward individual goals such as continued education, work training, financial literacy, medical treatment, parenting skills and accessing other needed resources. Community education: we cannot end domestic violence alone. Our community education programs are designed to raise awareness about domestic violence in our communities and educate about the dynamics of domestic abuse and to work with law enforcement, courts, social service agencies and institutions about how to respond to domestic violence appropriately. Last year we trained 797 adults. Our school-based abuse prevention program offers age appropriate presentations for students in pre-school through high school and adult education. Presentations are designed to inform children and youth about domestic violence and healthy relationships, thereby increasing knowledge of available resources, decreasing isolation, and shaping how our youth approach dating relationships. A total of 2,743 students attended our school-based presentations last year.