AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee voted unanimously Tuesday to advance two pieces of legislation sponsored by Rep. Holly Stover, D-Boothbay, that would improve Maine's behavioral health programs for survivors and implement proactive steps to prevent sexual violence and exploitation.
The first measure would provide funding for Maine's sexual assault support centers, and the second measure would prevent the sexual exploitation of children.
"We can and must do better to ensure timely and appropriate mental health services for survivors of sexual trauma," said Stover. "Sexual trauma has profound impacts on the victims mental and physical health. I thank the committee for supporting these bills and ensuring the prevention of sexual violence continues to be a priority for Maine."
As amended, LD 816 would fund up to seven positions across the state to provide direct services to survivors at the state's sexual assault support centers. These professionals would be trained to handle the mental health needs of victims of sexual assault, sexual exploitation, sexual violence and related trauma.
Additionally, LD 1092, as amended, would direct the Department of Health and Human Services to create a program to support regional Child Advocacy Centers and community-based agencies to respond to suspected child sexual abuse and commercial exploitation, connect children and families to resources and prevent further commercial sexual exploitation of children.
The Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault testified in support of both bills.
"Survivors will be served by this bill because they will be able to access better services faster. Currently, survivors are waiting on lengthy wait lists to access mental health services. Accessing services sooner can lead to better outcomes for survivors," said Melissa Martin, the public policy and legal director of the coalition, in support of LD 812.
"Survivors of [commercial sexual exploitation of children] are strong. They are capable of healing. And they're falling through the cracks in the system that is designed to protect them. We need to build out the services to support these kids and give them the chance to heal," said Katie Church, Maine's Children's Advocacy Center network coordinator, in support of LD 1092.
The bills face additional votes in the House and Senate in the coming weeks.
Rep. Holly Stover is serving her third term in the Maine House and represents Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, Edgecomb, South Bristol, Southport and Westport Island. She is House chair of the Legislature's State and Local Government Committee and serves as a member of the Joint Select Committee on Housing.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Stover], c. 305-965-2744