Public Policy At MECASA, we are passionate about our public policy work. During FY2016 we were proud to advocate for the interests of victims/survivors, their families and communities, as well as for Maine’s sexual assault service providers both on the state and national level. Our positions are informed by the experience and expertise of Maine’s sexual assault service providers and the communities they serve, the best available evidence, and our many trusted statewide partners. We are a strong voice at a wide range of public policy tables, at the State House, and with our congressional delegation, for victim-centered, evidence-based sexual violence policy. “Thank you. It’s a huge comfort to know that you are part of the public policy process.” -Sexual Assault Support Center Executive Director As part of our mission, we seek to expand, improve, and protect public policy which: • Meaningfully contributes to the prevention of sexual violence; • Ensures high quality response to victims across systems; • Promotes victims’ rights, protections, and victims’ access to justice; • Increases community safety; and, • Is responsive to the needs of marginalized and vulnerable populations. “Protection orders are powerful tools that can specifically support trafficking victims. Extending this statute is one important way that we can apply our existing resources in a way that enhances safety for some of Maine’s most vulnerable populations.” -MECASA Testimony Some of the work we engaged in at statewide public policy tables included: • Seeking a balance among victim confidentiality, the administration of justice, and the media’s interest in using video of court cases at the Judicial Branch Committee on Media and the Courts. • Improving policy and practice related to mandated reporting of elder abuse at the Maine Council for Elder Abuse Prevention. • Working with the Maine Department of Education to develop a statewide model policy on prevention and response to child sexual abuse for all Maine elementary schools. MECASA FY2016 Annual Report 8
10 Publizr Home