Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault

10/16/2026

“I just want to help make sure this never happens to anyone else.”

At MECASA, we hear that regularly. When survivors have a chance to heal, their next thought is often about others. How can I make sexual violence less common? What can I do today?

One of those survivors joined MECASA’s Board of Directors, and then gave us two more incredible gifts. Julia Russell, after a very public civil lawsuit against her abuser, donated her entire settlement to our work. That same year, she asked for donations in lieu of wedding gifts and raised even more. Those gifts became the seeds of a match that doubled every donation made over the last two years.

Because of Julia, and everyone who pledged, that $100,000 gift has become $200,000! MECASA can now do more to shape good policy at the State House, create more opportunities for survivors to use their voices, and reach more communities statewide, so every survivor knows that someone is there to listen, to believe, and to support them through each step of healing.

From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU! To Julia, of course, and to each of you who gave over the last two years, whether by donating, sharing our work, or celebrating our wins. To Katie and Mike, whose fundraisers amplified this effort. To Hailey and Leanne, who ran a marathon to raise money for trafficking survivors. Our community holds us up in every way possible, and being in this with you is humbling and joyful.

The work continues. Though this match is complete, we still need your support. Give today and every day at mecasa.org/donate.

If you or someone you know needs the kind of support advocates provide, call the Helpline anytime at 1-800-871-7741.

10/09/2026

The Maine Council on Aging wants YOU to envision a future without ageism! If you had just 6 words to describe the world you want for yourself, your loved one, and generations to come as we age - what would those be?

Here at MECASA, we know that strong connections and community support helps prevent sexual violence through every age. Our 6 words would definitely include those, as well as ideas around collective care, giving voice and choice to every person, and recognizing that each of us has a responsibility to keep each other safe.

10/09/2026

MECASA is hiring an Operations and Training Coordinator! This position supports our work with coordination of office systems, planning of trainings and events, and providing support to staff and partners for our day-to-day needs.

You can find more information and a full job description here: www.mecasa.org/jobs

Please share this opportunity widely!

10/06/2026

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. We are so grateful to our sister organization, Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence, for all the work they do to support survivors of domestic violence and for their partnership in working to prevent violence of all kinds.

Their member centers will be hosting events and activities all month to bring awareness about this issue and the services they provide - go to the link below to find a local event near you!

10/05/2026

Our elected representatives can make policies that improve all of our lives – including the lives of survivors! November 3rd is Election Day, but you don’t have to wait to cast your vote. Early voting starts TODAY – and we hope you will vote for candidates who will support increased services for survivors, policies that make seeking justice less-traumatic, and steps towards building a future without sexual violence.

Learn how to cast your vote here: https://www.maine.vote/

10/02/2026

The news this week out of Cornell is painful and infuriating - especially for survivors. We hope each of you will take good care of yourselves, lean on your supports, and remember that the Helpline is here anytime you need it. You don't have to be in crisis to call - advocates are here to listen, to believe, and to support you.

10/01/2026

It’s October 1st, which for MECASA is the first day of our year! We have so many efforts planned for 2027 to support advocates and survivors, bring good policy to the State House and a new Legislature, and continue the work of culture change and reducing stigma.

This is a good moment to take a breath, celebrate the work of the last year, and thank all of our partners, funders, and supporters – we couldn’t do any of this without you!

From our funders at the Department of Health and Human Services to our amazing Board, to the survivors who have stepped up to gift their voices and time to our efforts, to the legislators who champion our efforts towards survivor-centered policies, to each of you who have shared our work and had conversations with friends and family about it – it all matters. The road to ending sexual violence is one we’re walking together, and we’re so grateful to have friends with us along the way.

Happy New (fiscal) Year!

09/21/2026

Thanks to The Bangor Daily News for this timely editorial! It's true that when we accept behavior that dehumanizes women and makes a "joke" out of violence, that reinforces cultural attitudes that lead to more sexual violence happening.

Violence against women (or anyone) isn't funny. Full stop.

“Let’s start out with a very simple idea: Violence against women is never funny. Or acceptable.”

09/18/2026

For decades, when a teacher or school staff person was accused of sexual misconduct, all they had to do was resign – and those allegations would simply disappear. That meant that problem teachers could simply move from school to school, without any record of past questions following them, and without any closure or accountability for their actions.

Now, because of the work of courageous survivors stepping up to tell their stories and MECASA’s support in passing this legislation, every allegation will have a full investigation, even if that person resigns from their position. And schools will be required to disclose those findings to the Department of Education, so records of misconduct will no longer be able to be buried.

Our policy work can only happen with support from donors like you! Will you give today? www.mecasa.org/donate

Check out our 2026 Legislative Report for more information about this new law and others that MECASA helped make happen:https://www.mecasa.org/uploads/1/0/1/7/101776612/2026_mecasa_legislative_report_132nd_legislature_second_session_final.pdf