AUGUSTA – Rep. Morgan Rielly, D-Westbrook, introduced two bills to support veteran survivors of military sexual trauma (MST) and harassment Wednesday before the Maine Legislature’s Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee.
“Military sexual trauma liaisons are necessary to support our veterans and Guard members who are survivors here in Maine,” said Rielly. “This is my third time going before the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee to request funding. I have been working with advocates and survivors to find a sustainable stream of funding for these crucial positions that can help our veterans navigate through some of the most horrific moments of their lives. I am hopeful that they will finally receive the funding support they need this Legislative session.”
LD 662 builds on Rielly’s work in the 131st Legislature. It would provide funding for an executive director, house manager, an administrative coordinator, a contracted therapist, a National Guard liaison and part-time, per diem coverage to better support organizations like the Sisters in Arms Center and the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault and the survivors they support.
LD 665 would enhance support and protection for survivors by allowing military protective orders to be used as evidence when a survivor is seeking a temporary protection from abuse order.
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