AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER) --- Last year 21 people in the state lost their lives at the hands of an abusive partner. Now experts have released a new report to tackle the problem of domestic violence in Maine.
The Maine Domestic Abuse Homicide Review Panel released its most recent report on Thursday. Its members include people who work in law enforcement as well as mental health experts. Every few years the group takes a closer look at domestic violence murders and offers recommendations on how to prevent future ones.
The Maine Attorney General's Office released the report at the State House early Thursday afternoon. Gov. Paul LePage was among those supporting its findings.
"This is about putting Maine people first...Maine people...Maine families first," he said, "and this is not the end of this effort. For as long as I am governor, you're going to see me, hear me...talk about domestic violence because if there is one thing I an leave this state is eradicating this horrible crime."
Governor LePage is looking to endorse a bill that would amend Maine's bail code. He has also signed an executive order to create a task force that would look into other ways to protect victims of domestic abuse.
NEWS CENTER