Abuse & Harassment

IF YOU ARE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER CALL 9-1-1.

Statewide Domestic Abuse Helpline: 1-866-834-HELP (free and confidential). Individuals who are deaf, late-deafened, or hard of hearing: 1-800-437-1220.

Statewide Sexual Assault Helpline: 1-800-871-7741 (free and confidential) 

Options for filing a request (complaint) for protection from abuse or protection from harassment:

If you are representing yourself (if you are filing without a lawyer) you can ask for a protection order in-person at the courthouse or by email.

In Person at the Courthouse

By Email

If you are an attorney filing or responding to a protection order request for a client, see the information on eFiling below.

Difference Between a Protection from Abuse and Protection from Harassment Order

How an advocate can help

An advocate can:

  • Give information about protection orders and help you understand what happens in court;
  • Help with court paperwork and find legal help;
  • Give you support and information;
  • Help with other services like housing, counseling, support groups, and mental health help;
  • Help with safety planning; and/or
  • Provide information on how to file if you are under 18. 

To learn more about how to file (including a step-by-step on how to file by email), go to the FAQ section on the How to File a Complaint for a Protection Order and the Guide to Protection from Abuse or Harassment.

For help, reach out directly to the domestic abuse prevention organization serving your area.

How law enforcement can help

Maine law enforcement officers receive special training to help victims of domestic violence prevent further abuse. Officers may:

  • Give the victim written information about domestic violence or sexual assault help that is available locally, and how to file a protection from abuse case;
  • Remain on the scene of the alleged abuse as long as the officer reasonably believes there is a danger to the physical safety of the victim without the officer being there;  
  • Assist the victim in obtaining medical treatment caused by the abuse; and/or
  • Arrest an individual with or without a warrant if the officer reasonably believes that there has been a violation of a previously granted temporary or final protection from abuse order. The violation of the order does not need to have taken place in the presence of the officer.

Attorneys Filing or Responding to a Protection Order Complaint

Courts with eFiling: Attorneys in courts where eFiling is available are required electronic filers under Rule 33(B)(1) of the Maine Rules of Electronic Court Systems (MRECS).

Attorneys must file using eFileMaine. To learn more about eFiling, and to see a list of courts accepting eFiling, visit the Maine eCourts page.

  • Required electronic filers may request to be excused from mandatory use of the eFileMaine for good cause. See M.R.E.C.S. 33(D).
  • Completion of form PA-027 is necessary to file a complaint electronically.

Courts without eFiling: Attorneys who want to file in courts that have not yet implemented Maine eCourts may file conventionally (in-person, email, or mail).

Additional Resources

  • Maine Lawyer Referral Service ($35 for a 30-minute consultation with an attorney). 
  • Maine Adult Protective Services arranges for services to protect incapacitated and dependent adults (age 18 and over) in danger of abuse, neglect or exploitation. The adult abuse hotline number: 1-800-624-8404 or Maine Relay 711.
  • Maine Child and Family Services in the Department of Health and Human Services protects children from abuse and neglect. The 24- hour hotline to report suspected abuse or neglect is 1-800-452-1999 or Maine Relay 711.