News Releases

USM Muskie School Appoints Barbara Hart To Domestic Violence Research Team

November 19, 2007

Portland, ME—Attorney Barbara J. Hart of Georgetown, Me., has joined the University of Southern Maine Muskie School’s Cutler Institute of Child and Family Policy as Director of Law and Policy: Violence Against Women Initiatives. An internationally recognized leader in her field, Hart will significantly expand the School’s national initiatives in research and public policy related to domestic violence.

“The Muskie School is doing very important work in this field,” said Hart. “I am delighted to work with such a top-notch team. I anticipate that, together, we will make significant contributions to the discourse on violence against women and forge model practices that will enhance the safety and well-being of battered women and their children. I look forward to opportunities to contribute to policy and practice initiatives in Maine.”

As part of her work at the School, Hart plans to focus specifically on economic justice issues confronting battered women who seek protection orders. “Policymakers and attorneys are beginning to fully understand that economic viability is an essential underpinning of safety and well-being for adult survivors and their children. Strategies to expand access to economic self-sufficiency will emerge and must be evaluated.”

“We are excited to have Barbara join us,” said Bill Foster, dean of the Muskie School. “Through her leadership and expertise, the School and the Cutler Institute will have an expanded role in improving the policies and systems that support the children and families affected by such violence.”

For more than 30 years, Hart has been a leader in national efforts to address domestic violence. She continues to serve as senior policy and legal advisor with the Battered Women’s Justice Project. The project provides support and technical assistance to organizations and professionals engaged in the criminal and civil justice system’s response to domestic violence. She is also a principal in International Justice Connections, Inc. (IJC). IJC seeks to build partnerships between multinational corporations, law firms and non-governmental organizations around the world to advocate for justice and reparations for survivors of human trafficking, domestic and sexual violence, stalking and gender subordination.

Hart has published extensively, lectured in the U.S. and abroad, served on numerous boards and commissions, and co-founded multiple organizations dedicated to addressing domestic violence. She earned a J.D. from George Washington University and a B.A. in Psychology from University of Michigan.

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