WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that Pine Tree Legal Assistance in Portland will receive $800,000 in funding through the Legal Assistance for Victims Grant (LAV) Program.

“It is paramount that victims of domestic violence have access to legal assistance and advocacy, regardless of their financial situation or ability to pay.  Such services enhance victims' safety and strengthen their economic security,” the Senators said in a joint statement. “Pine Tree Legal Assistance has provided a wide range of legal services to low-income residents in Maine for nearly 50 years, handling over 7,500 cases in 2015. This investment will help them provide increased legal representation to victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.”

Through this grant award, PTLA will target five vulnerable populations within Southern Maine, including: survivors living in poverty; veterans and service members impacted by military sexual trauma; survivors with physical or mental disabilities; immigrants and refugees; and student survivors of sexual assault, dating violence, or stalking. The project will support legal work in an estimated 600 cases, as well as provide trainings and consultation to neighboring partners.

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