1. United States
2. Maine
3. Letter

Political violence – and particularly political violence against women – is a growing problem, which I know, affects each of you individually and collectively. With the alarming announcement from Representative Dhalac about the level of harassment, she faces, we need a strong response. There should be workplace protections, and we should have some task force that provides additional research and support for individual individuals in leadership and elected positions throughout the entire state who are facing threats, harassment, stalking and other forms of political violence that genuinely threatens to change who can serve in our public sphere. There are significant technical assistance resources available, but coalition partners will need funding to bring them forward. This should not simply be left to NGO’s because our democracy depends on diversity in representation. We also do not want an escalation of dangerous behaviors. It is time for the State to take action!