The purpose of the disability grant program is to provide training, consultation, and information on domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, sexual assault, and abuse by caregivers against…

The Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women awarded Disability Rights Maine $600,000 on August 1, 2026, under the Education, Training, and Enhanced Services to End Violence Against and Abuse of Women with Disabilities program (CFDA 16.529).

The award funds four core activities: direct assistance to and resource connection for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, sexual assault, and abuse by caregivers against individuals with disabilities and deaf people; training for disability and sexual violence victim service providers; training for parents, guardians, and others on sexual violence and developmental disabilities; and identification of new statewide partners and strengthening of regional collaboration.

Performance runs from August 1, 2026, through July 31, 2029, with work performed in Augusta, Maine. Disability Rights Maine, the state's designated Protection and Advocacy system, operates under the trade name Maine Advocacy Services and holds additional federal grant capacity through multiple statutory disability rights programs funded by the Administration on Disabilities, SAMHSA, and the Social Security Administration.

The purpose of the disability grant program is to provide training, consultation, and information on domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, sexual assault, and abuse by caregivers against individuals with disabilities (as defined in section 3 of the americans with disabilities act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12102)) and deaf people and to enhance direct services to such individuals. The project will support the following activities: 1) assist directly and connect victims to resources; 2) provide training for disability and sexual violence victim service providers; 3) deliver training for parents, guardians, and others on sexual violence and developmental disabilities; and 4) secure new statewide partners and strengthen regional collaboration.