{"id":373727,"date":"2016-04-11T01:22:49","date_gmt":"2016-04-11T06:22:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/maine-law\/maine-domestic-violence-laws.html"},"modified":"2026-02-09T15:49:11","modified_gmt":"2026-02-09T20:49:11","slug":"maine-domestic-violence-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/maine-law\/maine-domestic-violence-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Maine Domestic Violence Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Maine Domestic Violence Laws<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Kit Yona, M.A.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Maine<\/span> domestic violence<\/span> laws<\/span> protect victims of abuse between family or household members<\/span> and classify certain crimes like stalking and sexual assault<\/span> as domestic abuse<\/span> regardless of relationship. Victims can obtain protection from abuse orders<\/span> with criminal penalties for violations ranging from Class D<\/span> (up to 364 days jail) to Class C (up to five years). Maine<\/span> provides additional protections including address confidentiality programs and renter protections.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Crimes between people sharing a close relationship can cause damage on many levels. Domestic violence<\/span> offenses<\/span><\/a>, also known as domestic abuse<\/span> in Maine<\/span>, often occur between family members<\/span> or household members<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Maine<\/span>‘s definition of domestic abuse<\/span><\/a> differs from the norm. In this article, we’ll explain how it\u2019s different, who and what acts are involved, and the protections and penalties available.<\/p>\n

What Is Domestic Abuse<\/span>?<\/h2>\n

In most instances, domestic violence<\/span> occurs when a particular abusive act happens between people in qualifying relationships. Maine<\/span> expands its definition by allowing some crimes to be classified as domestic abuse<\/span><\/a> regardless of those involved. Let’s take a closer look at the requirements.<\/p>\n

What Acts Qualify as Domestic Abuse<\/span>?<\/h3>\n

There’s a wide range of abusive crimes, but domestic abuse<\/span> offenses focus on power and control<\/a>. Abusers use different types of domestic violence<\/span> to keep victims feeling hopeless and helpless. The cycle of threats, coercion, and violence is difficult to escape.<\/p>\n

Most states require domestic violence<\/span> crimes<\/span> to fulfill two basic requirements:<\/p>\n