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Maine Sexual Assault Resources: Child Sexual Abuse & Normal Child Sexual Behavior

How do I know if my child’s sexual behavior is normal or a sign of abuse?  As a caregiver, you may be worried about a child if they start displaying sexualized behaviors. Your instinct may be to think something has happened to the child, but that is not always the case. Some child sexualized behavior is healthy.
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Maine Sexual Assault Resources: Sexual Assault and Schools

If you (or your child) have been sexually assaulted at school, there are laws that can help protect you. One of the most important laws is called Title IX (Title Nine). Title IX says that schools that get federal funding cannot discriminate based on sex. This includes almost all elementary schools, high schools, and colleges. Title IX says that… More
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Can I get a protection from abuse order if I am a survivor of sexual assault?

Yes! Usually to get a Protection from Abuse (PFA) Order, the abuser and survivor need to be family or household members or dating partners. Pine Tree Legal Assistance helps survivors of sexual assault get PFA orders across the state of Maine. Contact your local sexual assault advocacy center to connect to our services!
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Protection from Abuse in Maine: Getting Ready for Your Hearing & Next Steps

Many Protection from Abuse cases are handled without a lawyer. If you believe that the other side will have a lawyer, or if there are complicated issues involved in your case, you may be better off with a lawyer. Need to start at the beginning of the process? Read the first part of our guide: Protection from Abuse in Maine: First Steps &… More
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Rights of Maine Renters: Paying Rent

Important Resources to Prevent Eviction Getting evicted? Worried you might be soon?
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Rights of Maine Renters: Landlord Coming Into Your Home

Can my landlord come into my house or apartment at any time? No. If your landlord wants to come into your home to make non-emergency repairs, or inspect the apartment, they must give you "reasonable notice." This means at least 24 hours notice. If the landlord does give you “reasonable notice” you can’t refuse them entry to the unit. You don’t… More
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Healthcare Resources for Maine Children Who Have Experienced Violence

How does domestic violence affect children? Violence and trauma can have long-lasting effects on children who witness or experience violent events.
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Rights of Maine Renters: Sale or Foreclosure of Building

Has the building or home you rent been sold or foreclosed on? You still have rights as a renter!
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Rights of Maine Renters: Subsidized Housing

What is "Subsidized Housing?" There are different kinds of subsidized housing. Some are public housing, and some aren't. If your rent goes by your income, your housing is “subsidized.”  This is true even if your house or apartment is owned by a person or company, and not the government.
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Rights of Maine Renters: Tips Before You Rent

Are you about to rent a place in Maine? Brush up on your rights, and other things you should know before you rent with our Tips for Tenants in Maine! Here’s Pine Tree Legal’s checklist of questions to ask about any house, apartment, or mobile home you might rent.