2021 Goals
For more than 40 years, the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence has been working steadily to end abuse in Maine. Alongside committed donors and community partners, we move our mission forward by:
- Advocating for policies that will help survivors of violence, hold abusive people to account, and create social change to end abuse. Recent successes include defining economic abuse in Maine law and incorporating it into the protection order statute, and securing first-ever funding to support and coordinate the work of Maine’s Certified Batterer Intervention Programs.
- Focusing on issues of equity and access. In 2020, MCEDV will continue expanding our efforts to ensure that interventions for abuse are available to all and that underrepresented communities have a voice at the table.
- Providing learning opportunities for advocates and others working with survivors of domestic abuse. Our members serve nearly 14,000 people each year, and we help them do the very best work they can do – particularly when so much about their work has transformed due to the pandemic.
- Preventing violence in the next generation. Last year MCEDV members reached over 41,000 young people in schools, shelters and other youth-focused settings with prevention messages. This year, we are getting creative to ensure that COVID-19 doesn’t keep us from connecting with youth.
- Increasing the public’s understanding of the factors that drive domestic abuse – and how they can take action to help. MCEDV and our members provided 893 trainings for over 14,000 professionals – including nurses, clergy, child welfare workers, law enforcement, mental health providers, and others – in effectively responding to domestic abuse and violence, and this year we are adapting to create engaging online learning experiences.
Our members provide services for people affected by domestic abuse and violence, dating abuse, stalking, elder abuse and sex trafficking and exploitation. Domestic Violence Resource Centers are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, via their 24-hour helplines.
Fundraising events/Opportunities
MCEDV and our members host fundraising events throughout the year to sustain our missions and raise awareness about the impact of domestic abuse and violence in our communities. We frequently partner with those who wish to support our work by running a gift drive or benefit event on our behalf. This year, with the usual 5Ks, galas, and other group fundraisers cancelled, we will depend more heavily than ever on direct donations.
Giving Opportunities
Every Domestic Violence Resource Center in Maine relies on philanthropic contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations to provide the most robust support to survivors and to advocate for systems that hold offenders accountable. Connect with MCEDV and your local center to:
- Give to an annual fund – directly or through a donor advised fund
- Establish a legacy or planned gift
- Sponsor an event or program
- Create a workplace giving drive
- Host a social media fundraiser
- Become a monthly donor
Please visit www.mcedv.org or your local resource center’s website to learn more about how to give.
Volunteer Opportunities
More than 450 volunteers devote an average of 29,000 hours every year to Domestic Violence Resource Centers. Many serve as trained helpline advocates. Other volunteer opportunities include managing in-kind donations, office and clerical assistance, and help with special events. Contact your local resource center for more information.
