AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER) --- Gov. LePage, who left home when he was 11 because his father beat him, is continuing his goal to reduce domestic violence in Maine.
Domestic violence counselors, abuse victims and their families all gathered at the State House on Tuesday for Domestic Violence Awareness Day. In his remarks, the governor said that he is looking to unveil new legislation this week to curb domestic violence.
About half of the homicides in Maine last year stemmed from domestic violence. LePage says that one way to address the problem is to make it tougher for those accused of abuse to get out of jail.
He also says that his bill would put better systems in place to protect victims.
"We are firmly behind it," he said to those in attendance, "and anything else that we can do as a government and in public policy to help rid ourselves of domestic abuse and violence...we {the administration} are wide open...our doors are wide open for you folks to come in and talk to us."
Several other bills aimed at reducing domestic violence are now being considered by a legislative committee. The governor is expected to formally announce his legislation on Wednesday.
NEWS CENTER