Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault

06/09/2026

A little behind-the-scenes look at DC advocacy! 📸

Last week, MECASA’s Public Policy Director had the opportunity to meet with representatives from Senator Susan Collins, Senator Angus King, and Representative Chellie Pingree’s offices to discuss federal funding priorities that support sexual violence prevention and response.

We’re grateful to have these conversations every year during the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence’s annual Advocacy Days event. It’s so important to share Maine’s perspective on these issues, and we know how fortunate we are to be represented by a federal delegation that cares so deeply about supporting survivors and strengthening the services they rely on.

Thank you to U.S. Senator Susan Collins , Senator Angus S. King, Jr. , Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, and the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence for your partnership and commitment to this work!

06/09/2026

On National Children's Day, we celebrate the joy, creativity, curiosity, and potential of every child. We also recognize our shared responsibility to help create a world where all children can grow up safe, supported, and free from abuse.

Preventing child sexual abuse isn't about a single conversation or a single program. It's about building communities where children know they matter and where the adults in their lives are prepared to listen, support, and protect them.

That means teaching children about their bodies, boundaries, and the right to say no. It means being askable adults who respond to questions with honesty and care. It means creating homes, schools, organizations, and communities where respect, consent, and healthy relationships are part of everyday life.

When children know they are valued, when adults are willing to listen, and when communities work together to create safety and belonging, prevention becomes possible.

Every child deserves to grow up knowing they matter.

If you have questions about preventing child sexual abuse or supporting a child in your life, help is available 24/7 through the Maine Sexual Assault Helpline: 1-800-871-7741.

06/04/2026

The Helpline is here for everyone – no exceptions. Whatever you’re carrying, whenever it happened, and whoever you are – there’s someone at the other end of the line who will listen, believe, and support you.

Call 1-800-871-7741 to get connected with a trained advocate in your community. Services are free, confidential, and available anytime night or day. You don’t have to be in crisis to call – and you don’t have to be a survivor. We’re here to support friends and family too, and anyone impacted by sexual violence, as well as community members who want to know more about how they can respond to and prevent sexual violence in their families, their networks, and their neighborhoods.

06/02/2026

Help create alternative paths to justice and healing! Apply to be R**e Response Services' Project Coordinator for their innovative new Restorative Practices Project. More information below!

✨ We're Hiring! Join Our Team as a Project Coordinator – Restorative Practices Project ✨

Penquis and R**e Response Services are seeking a passionate, community-minded individual to help lead an innovative pilot project focused on creating restorative responses to sexual violence and harm.

As the Project Coordinator, you'll serve as the lead facilitator and coordinator for this groundbreaking initiative, helping to build relationships with community partners, conduct outreach and education, support participants through restorative processes, and help shape a sustainable model for community-based healing and accountability.

This position is ideal for someone who:
✔ Loves working with people
✔ Believes in community healing and meaningful accountability
✔ Enjoys building relationships and collaborating with others
✔ Is excited about innovation, learning, and creating alternative pathways to justice and healing

📍 Location: Bangor, Maine
⏰ 32 hours per week (benefit eligible)
💼 Opportunity for occasional additional hours

Key responsibilities include:
• Community outreach and education
• Participant screening, intake, and risk assessment
• Preparing and supporting participants throughout restorative processes
• Co-facilitating restorative conversations
• Follow-up support and coordination
• Continuous reflection and quality improvement to strengthen this pilot initiative

This is a unique opportunity to be part of a first-of-its-kind effort in our community and help create new pathways for healing, accountability, and repair.

To learn more and apply, visit:https://www.penquis.org/project-coordinator-restorative-practices-project/

Please help us spread the word by sharing this post!

06/01/2026

Pride is a response of joy to fight oppression! Q***r communities, faced with being pushed back into the closet, responded with song and with rainbows and with the biggest and loudest means of being visible they could – because they refused to be silenced and made small for daring to be who they were.

LGBTQ+ folks are at a high risk of experiencing sexual violence – and this month and every month, MECASA wants you to know: we see you and we honor your full and unapologetic selves. And advocates are here for you, too. You can call the Helpline – 1-800-871-7741 – and talk to someone who will hold your story and help you find the path towards healing that works with all of who you are.

Happy pride to all our LGBTQ+ siblings – we stand with you and dance with you, through the celebrations and in the harder times.

05/29/2026

Be the voice at the other end of the line! Survivors need support - and we need Helpline volunteers to make sure that every survivor who calls gets connected with someone who can listen and believe them.

Training is free and happens in the evening - the next one starts on June 9.
Sign up here, and be someone's hero: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSf5Ry5eOnw.../viewform

Be a superhero! Step up for survivors as a helpline volunteer.

The next statewide advocate training starts on June 9 and runs during evening hours.

Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf5Ry5eOnw-yRlQriEkLcG2QeKu7DqphFKui6NgYOi7sPotYA/viewform

05/26/2026

Today we had a chance to celebrate a real milestone – statewide funding for tracking and inventorying of sexual assault kits! Years of work – of building trust across systems, of listening to survivors, of creating the political will – went into this effort.

MECASA was proud to stand with some of our partners in this work today! Thank you to St. Joseph Healthcare for hosting and to their incredible SAFE program for showing up to talk about why their work is so important (Keri and Katie did a fantastic job!).

So much thanks to Senator Jill Duson, who shepherded this bill with care and sensitivity, and to Representative Holly Stover for walking beside us all the way. And our deepest gratitude to Governor Janet Mills for making this funding a priority and for a legacy of supporting survivors in so many of the roles she inhabited across the decades.

There were many other people who made this day happen. There are many days of work to come as this new system is implemented. And this is just the next step towards a system that embodies our values. But we were so glad to take it with all of you.

05/23/2026

Sexual Assault Prevention & Response Services will be hosting an upcoming support group for survivors called "Coping Skills Through Art" in Wilton! More info below.

Upcoming Support Group at Wilton Police Department
SAPARS (Sexual Assault Prevention & Response Services) will be hosting a support group at the Wilton Police Department called “Coping Skills Through Art.”
This free group offers a safe, supportive space to explore creative ways to manage stress, process emotions, and build healthy coping skills through art. All supplies will be provided—no artistic experience needed, just come as you are.
This is a confidential and welcoming opportunity for anyone looking to connect, express themselves, and take a positive step toward healing. SAPARS also offers confidential and anonymous support options for those who may not be ready to attend in person.
If you have questions or would like more information, please reach out to SAPARS directly or contact our office.
We’re grateful to partner with SAPARS to bring this resource to our community. 💙

05/22/2026

Join Sexual Assault Support Services of Midcoast Maine at their 24th Annual Golf Tournament on June 20th! Register today!

Annual SASSMM All Gender Golf Tournament

05/20/2026

Trauma responses are deeply personal — but all of them can affect our mental health. After an assault, you might feel numb or furious, sad or anxious, confused or guilty — often all at once.

Your feelings are real and valid. You don't have to face them alone. If you're struggling after an experience of sexual violence, call the statewide Helpline anytime at 1-800-871-7741 to connect with a trained advocate. Advocates can offer grounding tools, support groups, and therapist referrals.

In crisis? Call or text 988 — trained counselors are available 24/7.