SANFORD — Caring Unlimited is among two Maine domestic violence prevention programs that will receive funding through the U.S. Department of Justice.

Caring Unlimited, York County’s domestic violence prevention program based in Sanford, will receive $599,526 to help provide civil legal assistance for low income and rural victims of domestic violence, sexual assault an stalking who need, but cannot afford, to hire a lawyer.

U.S. senators Susan Collins and Angus King on Friday announced that the funding was awarded through the Legal Assistance for Victims Grant Program and the Improving Criminal Justice Responses Program.

The Next Step Domestic Violence Project in Ellsworth will receive $578,268 to provide attorney representation and consultation. The program will partner with Husson University to recruit and hire legal interns.

The senators said the funding was awarded through the DOJ’s Office of Violence Against Women.

Each year, Caring Unlimited serves about 3,000 individuals whose lives are affected by domestic abuse through support and safety planning services including: 24-hour confidential hotline, emergency shelter, transitional housing, support and education groups, legal advocacy, school-based education and advocacy and community education.

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