Assistant District Attorney Andrew Wright said he applauds New Hope for Women’s decision to open a Wiscasset office.

“I think it’s wonderful ... and it’s an indicator of a new time, when New Hope for Women and the district attorney’s office and the courts are taking a more cooperative approach toward fighting domestic violence,” Wright said July 17.

“Having them in town is just going to facilitate that more and more.”

The decision to open the office speaks well for the organization, Wright said.

Increased access for all involved was the basis for moving the nonprofit’s Damariscotta office to Wiscasset, said Denise Marr, a New Hope legal advocate.

“We work very closely with law enforcement, and it made much more sense to be downhill from the courthouse,” Marr said at the new office, located at 41 Water Street next to Sarah’s Cafe.

CEI owns the office space and has announced plans to put all its Water Street properties on the market, in connection with its move to Brunswick; however, CEI’s lease with New Hope for Women calls for New Hope to be able to stay on should the building sell, CEI’s director of housing development, John Egan, said.

Now when New Hope helps someone fill out paperwork to get a protection from abuse order, being so near the courthouse will be more convenient for that client, said Sarah DeRosa, a New Hope services advocate.

Office hours are Thursdays and Fridays from noon to 4 p.m.,  New Hope can be reached any time at its hotline numbers, 207 882-6222 or 1-800-522-3304.

The hotline is for people who are experiencing abuse as well as others concerned about a loved one or someone else, Marr said.

New Hope for Women offers support groups, safety planning and other services to people affected by domestic violence, dating violence and stalking in Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Knox and Waldo counties. In addition to the new Wiscasset location, New Hope has offices in Bath, Rockland and Belfast. For more, visit www.newhopeforwomen.org.