Maine considers new protection for domestic violence victims
May 3, 2021 GMT
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) The Maine Legislature is set to consider a proposal designed to prevent housing and employment discrimination against domestic violence victims.
The legislature’s Judiciary Committee has approved the proposal from Democratic Sen. Donna Bailey. The proposal amends the Maine Human Rights Act to make sure that domestic violence victims who seek a protection from abuse order via court are not discriminated against when they seek housing and employment, supporters said.
Andrea Mancuso, the public policy director of the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence, said during a public hearing that several states “have taken similar steps to address these types of discrimination against survivors by modifications to their human rights statutes.”
New Hope for Women, now celebrating its 40
th anniversary as Midcoast Maine’s only domestic violence resource center, announces the launch of its new website at newhopeforwomen.org. As part of the agency’s rebranding, the improved website helps community members affected by domestic abuse, dating violence and stalking quickly find what they need.
The site is now mobile-friendly with immediate connection to the agency’s helpline and direct access the national chat service. The site also provides detailed, up-to-date content on legal services, emergency sheltering, housing, and support groups. Enhanced information on prevention and education services includes how to recognize abuse and teen dating violence, and how technology can impact abuse. There is clear access to services, trainings and resources. Also incorporated are greater accessibility for the visually impaired, translation services, enhanced donation options including planned giving, and more ways for the community t
Updated April 29
Maine’s supreme court rejects Noah Gaston’s appeal of his murder conviction
The justices also dismissed the former Windham man s contention that court restrictions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic unfairly affected his sentencing hearing.
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Noah Gaston walks to the defense table during his murder trial in Cumberland County Superior Court in Portland on Nov. 13, 2019.
Gregory Rec/Staff Photographer
The Maine Supreme Judicial Court on Thursday rejected Noah Gaston’s appeal of his murder conviction for killing his wife at their Windham home in 2016 in a ruling that also leaves intact his lengthy prison sentence.
IF YOU NEED HELP
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Noah Gaston walks to the defense table during his murder trial in Cumberland County Superior Court in Portland on Nov. 13, 2019.
Gregory Rec/Staff Photographer
The Maine Supreme Judicial Court on Thursday rejected Noah Gaston’s appeal of his murder conviction for killing his wife at their Windham home in 2016 in a ruling that also leaves intact his lengthy prison sentence.
IF YOU NEED HELP
If you or someone you know is being affected by domestic violence, help is available through the state’s toll-free hotline at 1-866-834-4357.
Online resources include:
• Links to Cumberland County resources are available at cumberlandcounty.org