Members of the Maine Domestic Abuse Homicide Review Panel, along with Governor Janet Mills and Attorney General Aaron M. Frey, presented the 15th Biennial Report at a press conference held at the State House in Augusta. The report reviews 20 domestic abuse homicides that occurred between 2021 and 2024 and offers recommendations to improve prevention efforts.
The panel’s findings examine the circumstances surrounding each case and identify interventions that could have changed outcomes. Recommendations address strengths and weaknesses across criminal justice, legal, health care, and public response systems in Maine.
Attorney General Aaron Frey stated, “The observations, findings, and recommendations contained in this report advance our understanding of domestic abuse dynamics and provide meaningful strategies for prevention. I am eternally grateful to the members of the Panel who continue to devote their time, passion and expertise to make Maine a safer place for everyone.”
Frey is Maine’s chief law enforcement officer, representing the state in legal matters. He was born in Bangor, raised nearby before moving to Dixmont, and has served as Maine’s Attorney General since being elected as the state’s 58th attorney general. His background includes three terms in the Maine House of Representatives from 2012 to 2018 as well as experience practicing law in Bangor with a focus on criminal defense and family law. He also serves on the Baxter State Park Authority. More details about his career can be found on his official website.
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Bogue chairs the panel. She said: “Coming Together for Safety showcases observations and recommendations of the Panel in its review of 20 domestic abuse homicides from 2021 to 2024. The 15th Biennial report highlights that all members of the Criminal Justice System can make a difference when they come together to keep people safe and hold offenders accountable.”
Francine Garland Stark, Executive Director of the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence, emphasized available support services: “Domestic Violence Homicide is the culmination of years of coercive, controlling behavior that the abusive person has used to get what they want: submission by those they victimize and control over the story being told about what is happening in that relationship. While it is difficult and dangerous to separate from an abusive intimate partner, I want to emphasize that the Domestic Violence Resource Centers in Maine help thousands of people leave abusive partners every year and go on to create lives free from abuse. It is a hard journey, but there is hope and there is help.”
The full report provides detailed analysis aimed at strengthening efforts against domestic violence across multiple sectors.
