Maine BMV branches to highlight domestic violence resources

Patrisha McLean, CEO and founder of Finding Our Voices, talks about a new way to help domestic violence survivors at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles branch in Augusta. (Spectrum News/Susan Cover)

Originally published by Spectrum Local News

By Susan Cover
January 13, 2026

AUGUSTA — A new initiative to raise awareness of domestic violence and provide help to victims is now underway at all 13 Bureau of Motor Vehicles branches.

The Maine Department of Secretary of State worked with Finding Our Voices, a Camden nonprofit, to display notices about domestic violence on large rotating screens throughout the state. Finding Our Voices founder Patrisha McLean said she hopes the posters will inspire victims to reach out for help.

During a Tuesday news conference, McLean noted that for the last 30 years, half of all homicides in Maine have been related to domestic violence.

“Domestic violence is a huge problem,” she said. “What’s the first step to solving any problem? It’s talking about it.”

Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said the new program is in addition to an address confidentiality service for victims that’s currently helping more than 250 survivors. Her office also oversees the Maine Permanent Commission on the Status of Women, which looks for ways to improve the lives of girls and women.

Bellows said about 500,000 people visit BMV branches across the state each year, increasing the reach of what could be vital information for those struggling with domestic abuse.

The display screens in the BMV waiting rooms cycle through several messages, which will now include images of survivors and information about how to get help.

“What we hope to do is to raise awareness and raise hope,” Bellows said. “We want people to know that if you’ve experienced or are experiencing intimate partner violence, you are not alone and there is help available.”

If you need help, the state’s domestic violence hotline is 1-866-834-HELP.