Self Help Tools
Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, & Abuse
Rights of Maine Renters: Victims of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking
Sometimes landlords react to sexual assault, domestic violence and stalking by taking action against the victim. There are state and federal laws that can help if this happens to you.
How to Handle Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Overpayments
SSI benefits are the benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) that come on the 1st of the month. If SSA finds that you have gotten too much money in your SSI benefit, they will send you a Notice of Overpayment.
Rights of Maine Renters: Mobile Home Parks
Who is protected by the mobile home park laws?
This section applies to you if you own your mobile home and rent a lot in a mobile home park. Also, these "Rights of Maine Renters" articles apply to you:
Maine Sexual Assault Resources: Consent and Maine Law
What is consent?
Consent is when you give permission for something to happen. Consent is an important part of sex. A person’s consent to a sexual activity should be:
Sexual Assault in the LGBTQ+ Community in Maine: You can get help
Sexual assault affects many members of the LGBTQ+ community. Many Maine organizations work to serve the needs of LGBTQ+ survivors.
Maine Sexual Assault Resources: Child Sexual Abuse & Normal Child Sexual Behavior
How do I know if my child’s sexualized behavior is normal or a sign of abuse?
Some child sexualized behavior is normal. Other behavior may be a sign of abuse. Here are some resources that may help you know the difference:
Maine Sexual Assault Resources: Sexual Assault and Schools
If you (or your child) have been sexually assaulted at school, there are laws that can help protect you. One of the most important laws is called Title IX (Title Nine).
Title IX says that schools that get federal funding cannot discriminate based on sex. This includes almost all elementary schools, high schools, and colleges. Title IX says that… More
Can I get a protection from abuse order if I am a survivor of sexual assault?
Yes! Usually to get a Protection from Abuse (PFA) Order, the abuser and survivor need to be family or household members or dating partners.
Pine Tree Legal Assistance helps survivors of sexual assault get PFA orders across the state of Maine. Contact your local sexual assault advocacy center to connect to our services!
Protection from Abuse in Maine: Getting Ready for Your Hearing & Next Steps
Many Protection from Abuse cases are handled without a lawyer. If you believe that the other side will have a lawyer, or if there are complicated issues involved in your case, you may be better off with a lawyer.
Need to start at the beginning of the process? Read the first part of our guide: Protection from Abuse in Maine: First Steps &… More