22 M.R.S. §1661: Legislative intent

The Legislature finds that rape and sexual assault are crimes of violence that are both underreported and increasing in incidence; that victims of rape need support services and counseling that are currently unavailable from traditional medical or legal institutions; that the recent formation of local and regional rape crisis centers has provided rape and sexual assault victims with vital counseling and intervention services; and that the volunteer efforts of these and future rape crisis centers shall be supported and enhanced on a statewide basis, if possible. The Legislature declares that it is consistent with public policy to fund counseling and preventive educational programs by rape crisis centers.