The Legislature finds that rape and sexual assault are crimes of violence that are both underreported and increasing in incidence; that victims of rape need support services and counseling that are currently unavailable from traditional medical or legal institutions; that the recent formation of local and regional rape crisis centers has provided rape and sexual assault victims with vital counseling and intervention services; and that the volunteer efforts of these and future rape crisis centers shall be supported and enhanced on a statewide basis, if possible. The Legislature declares that it is consistent with public policy to fund counseling and preventive educational programs by rape crisis centers.
Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 22, § 1661
Legislative intent
PL 1983, c. 826, §1 (NEW).
Official source: Maine Legislature. Reproduced from public-domain Maine statutes; confirm against the official source for the current text. Not legal advice.