Domestic Violence Resources in Maine
Last updated September 5, 2026
If you or someone you care about is experiencing domestic violence in Maine, you are not alone, and help is available right now. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can connect you with local Maine resources, safety planning support, and confidential guidance in multiple languages. You can also text START to 88788 or chat online at thehotline.org if calling is not safe.
Maine has a network of local domestic violence resource centers — one in each county — coordinated through the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence (MCEDV). These centers offer emergency shelter, advocacy, safety planning, legal assistance, and support groups. To find your nearest center quickly, call 2-1-1 Maine (dial 2-1-1), available around the clock, or visit 211maine.org. A trained specialist can connect you with the closest shelter or advocacy program based on where you are located.
Leaving or recovering from an abusive relationship often involves urgent practical needs — housing, income, food, healthcare, and safety for children. Maine's state agencies and federal programs can help with many of these needs. A local domestic violence advocate or a 2-1-1 specialist can help you apply for multiple programs at once so you are not navigating the system alone.
Key programs in Maine
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Confidential crisis support, safety planning, and referrals to local Maine shelters and advocacy programs. Available 24/7 by call, text, or online chat.
How to access: Call 1-800-799-7233, text START to 88788, or chat at thehotline.org. No appointment needed.
2-1-1 Maine
Free, confidential helpline that connects Maine residents to local domestic violence shelters, emergency housing, food assistance, utility help, mental health services, legal aid, and other community resources statewide.
How to access: Dial 2-1-1 from any phone, 24/7, or visit 211maine.org. Interpreters available. You can also text your zip code to 898-211.
Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) — Economic Services
Administers SNAP (food assistance), Medicaid (MaineCare), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and other benefits that can be critical for survivors establishing financial independence.
How to access: Apply online at mymaineconnection.gov, visit a local DHHS office, or call 1-855-797-4357. Domestic violence survivors may qualify for special TANF exemptions; ask a caseworker.
HUD-Funded Emergency and Transitional Housing (via Continuum of Care)
Federally funded emergency shelter and transitional housing programs for domestic violence survivors, administered locally through Maine's regional Continuums of Care. Helps survivors find safe, stable housing after leaving an abusive situation.
How to access: Contact 2-1-1 Maine (dial 2-1-1) or your local domestic violence resource center to be referred to HUD-funded shelter or transitional housing programs in your region. You can also search HUD's resource locator at hudexchange.info.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) — Maine
Federally funded heating and utility bill assistance for low-income Maine households, including survivors of domestic violence who have recently relocated or lost household income.
How to access: Apply through Maine DHHS at mymaineconnection.gov or call 1-800-442-6003. Applications are typically accepted in the fall and winter heating season. Ask your domestic violence advocate to help you apply.
Domestic Violence Resources resources for Maine
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Nationwide24/7 confidential support, safety planning, and local referrals for those affected by relationship abuse.
StrongHearts Native Helpline
NationwideCulturally appropriate domestic and sexual violence support for Native Americans and Alaska Natives.
loveisrespect
NationwideSupport for young people to prevent and end dating abuse. Call, text (LOVEIS to 22522), or chat.