SEXUAL ASSAULT RESPONSE SERVICES OF SOUTHERN MAINE

Under the pillars of Intervention, Prevention, and Engagement, SARSSM programs and services were provided to clients in York and Cumberland Counties. SART: Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) provides support, advocacy, information and resources for those impacted by sexual violence, including survivors and their loved ones and the providers who serve them across Cumberland and York Counties. In FYE 2024, staff and volunteer Advocates working the 24-Hour Helpline provided crisis intervention, validating emotional support, and responsive resource referrals and information to survivors and victims. Helpline Advocates provided in-person support on accompaniments with victims to hospitals and medical centers to receive medical care and/or forensic evidence collection. Helpline Advocates provided police department accompaniments when victims chose legal recourse. As part of our Emerge programs, under the pillar of Engagement, Peer Support Groups: provide peer support, connection and learning opportunities for people who have been impacted by sexual violence. Support groups are facilitated by licensed therapists, SARSSM staff, and/or specialized practitioners in trauma. SARSSM offers traditional talk-based groups as well as activity/experiential based groups. Our traditional talk-based groups are often identity based, such as our Men's Support Group, youth groups and groups for incarcerated people. Talk-based groups encourage participants to explore specific issues, embrace aspects of themselves and take positive steps through dialogue with their peers. Our activity/experiential based groups include movement activities, creative explorations, and shared interest activities to promote healing and bonding through shared positive experiences.

SARSSM Prevention & Education programs promote harm reduction, abuse prevention, and culture change, through outreach, training, and awareness programs and services. These are delivered to K-12 and post-secondary schools, civic groups, local businesses and community partners/stakeholders.