1. Victim and Witness Rights
- Maine Attorney General – Victim Services
Outlines crime victim rights in Maine, including the right to be informed, heard, and protected throughout criminal proceedings. - Maine State Police – Victim Services
Offers support, resource navigation, and referral services for victims of crimes such as stalking, harassment, and abuse.
2. Free and Low-Cost Legal Aid Programs
- Pine Tree Legal Assistance
Provides free civil legal help to low-income Mainers in areas such as domestic violence, defamation, and protection orders. - Legal Services for the Elderly
Offers specialized legal aid for Mainers aged 60 and over, including harassment and abuse issues.
3. Relevant Laws
- Stalking: 17-A M.R.S. § 210-A
What it means: Intentional and repeated behavior—like following or contacting—that causes the target to reasonably fear harm or emotional distress. Includes cyberstalking. - Harassment: 5 M.R.S. § 4651 et seq. (Protection from Harassment Act)
What it means: Covers repeated contact, threats, or abusive conduct intended to harass. Civil orders can be filed even if criminal charges aren’t brought. - Bullying: No adult criminal statute. Addressed under 20-A M.R.S. § 6554 (Education Code)
What it means: Schools must adopt anti-bullying policies that address cyberbullying, retaliation, and peer intimidation. Policies must include reporting and disciplinary procedures. - Defamation: Civil tort, not criminal. Based on Maine common law.
What it means: Libel (written) and slander (spoken) can be grounds for a lawsuit if false claims result in reputational or financial harm. There is no criminal defamation law in Maine.
4. Reporting and Hotlines
- Call 911 in emergencies or situations involving immediate danger.
- Non-emergency reports may be filed through your local police or sheriff’s office.
- Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence (MCEDV)
Connects survivors with safety planning, legal advocacy, and housing support statewide. - Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-866-834-HELP (1-866-834-4357)
24/7 confidential assistance for anyone in Maine experiencing abuse, stalking, or harassment.
5. Support Organizations
- Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence
Statewide network of domestic violence resource centers offering legal advocacy, shelter, and prevention programs. - Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MECASA)
Provides victim advocacy, counseling, and legal support for survivors of sexual violence, harassment, and online abuse.
6. Civil Remedies and Protection Orders
Maine residents may file for a Protection from Harassment (PFH) or Protection from Abuse (PFA) order. These civil remedies may restrict contact, digital communication, and physical presence. Assistance is available through Pine Tree Legal or local court clerks.
Important Note on Jurisdiction: If the individual you are seeking a restraining order against lives in a different state, your local court may not have jurisdiction to enforce that order. In most cases, you must file for protection in the state where that individual resides or where the conduct occurred. This applies even in situations involving online harassment, defamation, or stalking. Contact legal aid services in both your state and the other person’s state for guidance.
7. Youth and School Resources
- Maine Department of Education – Bullying Prevention
Offers guidance for schools and parents on bullying policies, complaint handling, and student protections.
8. Court Forms and Filing Help
- Maine Judicial Branch – Protection Orders
Access forms, instructions, and filing guides for harassment and abuse protection orders.
9. Online Safety and Privacy Tools
- NNEDV Tech Safety Toolkit
Provides guidance for protecting your identity, privacy, and safety online—especially for stalking and harassment survivors.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
