AUGUSTA – Three measures sponsored by Rep. Morgan Rielly, D-Westbrook, that would support survivors of military sexual trauma are now law.
LD 108 will help the state collect data regarding suicide prevention among Maine veterans to better inform prevention programs. According to a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 2022 report, the veteran suicide rate in Maine was about 39.8 deaths per 100,000 veterans.
“By authorizing the sharing of these records, LD 108 will help Maine have a clearer understanding of trends in veteran suicide that can aid the state in developing future policies for prevention,” said Rielly. “While not far from the national average of 34.7 deaths per 100,000, the rate of suicide is still far too high for Maine veterans, and we need timely data to adequately solve this issue.”
LD 662 will provide $200,000 annually to the Active Duty Military Transition to Civilian Life Fund to support Maine-based organizations that help active duty military members and their families transition to civilian life. Further, the bill creates the Survivors of Military Sexual Trauma Program and funds the program at $285,000 annually to assist organizations that provide help to unhoused veterans and their children, as well as survivors of military sexual trauma.
“The passage of LD 662 is a testament to the survivors and advocates who worked hard to make sure that our veterans, especially survivors of military sexual trauma, get the help that they need,” said Rielly.
“MECASA is incredibly grateful to the Legislature for funding this vital bill,” said Melissa Martin of the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MECASA). “Survivors of military sexual trauma deserve care that understands their unique needs and experiences, and this legislation will help provide that. We have a responsibility to these service members, who did not deserve what happened to them, to respond with sensitivity and a trauma-informed lens.”
“We are incredibly grateful for the State of Maine’s partnership and significant financial commitment to military sexual trauma survivors,” said John Crowley of Sisters in Arms. “This funding is instrumental in our shared mission to provide comprehensive care and support, fostering healing and resilience within this deserving group of veterans and their families.”
LD 665 will allow for, in the case of immediate and present danger of abuse, the existence of an active military protective order to be used in granting a temporary protection from abuse order.
“This bill will enhance support for survivors by explicitly allowing the use of military protective orders (MPOs) and recognizing MPOs as evidence when a survivor is seeking a temporary protection from abuse order,” said Rielly.
“It has been a privilege working with policymakers in Maine during the First Regular Session to support Defense State Liaison Office priorities,” said Melissa Willette of the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense. “As the Region Liaison for New England, I remain committed to engaging and informing state leaders on policies that strengthen support for military families. We appreciate the efforts of Rep. Rielly and others who continue to champion issues important to our service members and their families.”
Rielly is serving his third term in the Maine House of Representatives and is a member of the Joint Standing Committee on Marine Resources and the Joint Standing Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. He represents a portion of Westbrook.
Contact:
Brian Lee (Rielly) | 305-965-2744