The Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MECASA) awarded Rep. Holly Stover, D-Boothbay, with their 2022 Legislative Award. Stover was presented with the award at the MECASA Award Ceremony Monday, April 25.

The MECASA Legislative Award is dedicated to a legislator who has initiated or strongly advocated for sexual violence victim/survivor-centered legislation and demonstrates a strong commitment to working with MECASA on policy goals and initiatives.

“It is a great privilege to work on issues and initiatives that will positively impact those who have experienced sexual violence in any of its forms,” said Stover. “I am humbled by this recognition, as it is a reminder there is much more work to do. I am so grateful to MECASA for their advocacy and the role they play in communities across our state.”

“Throughout Rep. Stover’s career, both as a legislator and before, she has been an unwavering advocate for programs and policies to improve Maine’s response to sexual violence,” said MECASA’s Executive Director, Elizabeth Ward Saxl. “She was the driving force behind the development of Maine’s Children’s Advocacy Centers which have radically improved our response to children who have experienced sexual violence. Last year, these programs served well over 1,000 children.

“Today, the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault is pleased to recognize Rep. Holly Stover for her recent work to obtain the first additional state funding for Maine’s sexual assault support centers in over 20 years. This funding is helping to address service gaps for programs across the state, including Sexual Assault Support Services of Midcoast Maine.”

Stover is serving her second term in the Maine House and represents Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, Edgecomb, South Bristol (part), Southport and Westport Island and is serving her second term in the Maine House. She is the House chair of the Government Oversight Committee and sits on the Health and Human Services Committee.