Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault

A person sits huddled, overwhelmed and surrounded by items related to holidays, next to the words, “Holidays can bring stuff up. You don’t have to go through it alone. Get support and talk it through. Call the Helpline today. Statewide Sexual Assault Helpline 1-800-871-7741. Free. 24/7. Confidential.” and the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault logo.

The holidays can bring up a lot — memories, feelings, pressure to be “okay.” If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. You deserve care and space to feel what you feel. 

 💛 Support is available anytime through the free, confidential Maine Sexual Assault Helpline: 1-800-871-7741

Hands reaching in to tend to a garden next to a sign that says, “Respect grown here.” and the words, “We all have a role in ending sexual violence. That begins with cultivating healthy communities. Join us in growing a world without violence. Statewide Sexual Assault Helpline 1-800-871-7741. Free. 24/7. Confidential.” and the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault logo.

Ending sexual violence takes all of us. 

When we nurture empathy, teach consent, and care for one another — we’re building the kind of world we all deserve. 
 
Join us in growing healthy, safe communities for everyone. 

If you need support, call the Maine Sexual Assault Helpline: 1-800-871-7741

This month and every month we honor the work of Maine’s tribal sexual & domestic violence advocates. Increasing the capacity of tribal communities to respond to domestic and sexual violence, and influencing tribal, national, and regional systems to increase awareness, safety, justice, and healing for all our relations. wabanakiwomenscoalition.org

November is Native American Heritage Month, but here at MECASA, we know the Wabanaki Women’s Coalition is doing the work of supporting their tribal members every day.

Get connected to culturally appropriate tribal advocacy at  https://www.wabanakiwomenscoalition.org/

Over a photograph of a dark star filled sky with light fading behind dark silhouettes of trees, the words “As the days get darker, advocates are here. Statewide Sexual Assault Helpline 1-800-871-7741. Free. 24/7. Confidential.” and the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault logo.

As the days get shorter, we keep showing up. Advocates are here - always. 
 
If you need support, call the Maine Sexual Assault Helpline anytime: 1-800-871-7741 

#HereWhenYouNeedUs #ListenBelieveSupport

Pictures of tshirts that have “I am a survivor” or “I support survivors” on the front, and “Release the Epstein Files” along with the Maine Helpline number 1-800-871-7741 on the back, with the words “Fundraiser for the Maine human trafficking survivor fund. Purchase yours today. All proceeds go to the Maine Human Trafficking Survivor Fund. www.bonfire.com/store/mecasa

Want to show your support for survivors and demand accountability from those in power? Now you can wear that support while raising money for survivors of human trafficking in Maine!

Buy yours today here: www.bonfire.com/store/mecasa/

Several versions of the shirt - all supporting survivors!

he question “Why didn’t they report?” with a line through it, and then circled in red the words, “What would it take for reporting to feel safe?” and then the words “Over 65% of survivors never make a report to police - how can we help build a culture that makes that option more supportive and more focused on survivors’ needs? Statewide Sexual Assault Helpline 1-800-871-7741. Free. 24/7. Confidential.” and the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault logo.

Most survivors never report to police - and there are so many reasons why. 
 
Instead of asking “why didn’t they?” we can ask “what can we change?” 

Let’s create a culture that makes reporting - and not reporting - feel safe, supported, and respected. 

Maine Sexual Assault Helpline: 1-800-871-7741

A graphic of the state of Maine with a blue circle inside it with the words "Over 19,000 people in Maine will experience sexual violence this year. Every one of them deserves to be listened to, believed, and supported. Statewide Sexual Assault Helpline 1-800-871-7741. Free. 24/7. Confidential.” and the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault logo.

Behind every number is a person — a neighbor, coworker, friend, classmate. 

When we listen without judgment & believe without hesitation we make a more compassionate world for everyone. 

💜 If you or someone you care about needs support, the Maine Sexual Assault Helpline is here: 1-800-871-7741

A ballot box with a hand reaching out to put their vote in, next to the words, “Election Day is next Tuesday. When survivors and allies participate in democracy, communities grow stronger. Survivors vote.” and the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault logo.

On Tuesday, November 4th, we have a chance to make our collective voice heard. 
 
For survivors, voting can be an act of reclaiming power & shaping a future grounded in safety and respect. For all of us, we can support policies that support healing and justice – when we vote with survivors in mind.

A group of people with their arms around each other, one of them looking up and not knowing what to say, with the words "We’re here for the ‘What Now?’. T When someone you love has experienced sexual violence, it can be hard to know what to say. Advocates are here to help. Statewide Sexual Assault Helpline 1-800-871-7741. Free 24/7. Confidential.” and the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault logo.

Someone just told you they were assaulted. 
Your heart is racing. You’re trying to stay calm, but your brain is screaming: 
“What do I do now?” 

Call us. 
We’ll help you figure out how to support them around options for their next steps.  

📞 1-800-871-7741

Three people sit with their arms around the one in the middle, with the words "Because healing is easier with support. The Helpline is here for survivors AND for their friends and family. Get the support YOU need to support the person you care about. Statewide Sexual Assault Helpline 1-800-871-7741. Free 24/7. Confidential.” and the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault logo.

Healing takes a village. And we’re here for yours. 

The Helpline isn’t just for survivors — it’s for the friends, family, coworkers, and loved ones who are walking alongside them. 

We can help you be the best support possible. 

📞 1-800-871-7741 
 24/7. Free. Private.

Two people sit close together in friendship, with the words "Showing up is the first step. The Helpline is here for survivors and those that care about them. Statewide Sexual Assault Helpline 1-800-871-7741. Free 24/7. Confidential.” and the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault logo.

You don’t have to be a therapist. 
You don’t have to say the perfect words. 
You just have to care. 

The Helpline can help you provide the best support you can – and to process your feelings about what happened.  

📞 1-800-871-7741 
 Free. Confidential. Here for you 24/7.

A person sits with their head in their knees and another kneels next to them with their hand outstretched towards the first, with the words "What if I get it wrong? Supporting a loved one who has experienced sexual violence can feel confusing or difficult. Advocates can help you show up for those you care about - call the Helpline to talk it through. Statewide Sexual Assault Helpline 1-800-871-7741. Free 24/7. Confidential.” and the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault logo.

“I want to help, but I’m scared I’ll mess it up.” 

Same. That’s why I called. 

The Helpline helped me figure out how to be there for my friend without trying to fix everything or make it about me. 

📞 1-800-871-7741 
 For support, for information, for the people who care.

Two people sitting together, one with a cloud of confusion above their head and the other holding an umbrella, with the words "Support starts with showing up. The Helpline is here for survivors and those that care about them. Statewide Sexual Assault Helpline 1-800-871-7741. Free 24/7. Confidential.” and the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault logo.

It’s hard to know how to support someone who’s been hurt. 

But you don’t need to know everything. 

Just showing up, listening, and reminding them they’re not alone can be the beginning of healing. 

The Helpline is here to help you show up. 
 📞 1-800-871-7741 
 Confidential. 24/7.

Last week, leaders from sexual assault support centers across Maine gathered for our Member Advisory Council retreat! Advocates guide everything we do at MECASA — from policy to systems change. Always a joy to gather for fun, connection, and conversations that strengthen our work for survivors.

A line drawing of two people sitting back to back, one with her head on her knees and the other with a cloud of confusion above her head, with the words "Not sure what to say? We’ve got you. The Helpline is here for survivors and those that care about them. Statewide Sexual Assault Helpline 1-800-871-7741. Free 24/7. Confidential.” and the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault logo.

You found out someone you care about was hurt. You want to help, but afraid of saying the wrong thing. 

You don’t need to figure this out on your own. The Helpline is here for you, too. We can talk through what happened, how to support someone, and how to take care of yourself. 

1-800-871-7741

A question – what does a world without sexual violence look like? How does it feel? A series of flower stems with words instead of blooms – Affirming, respectful, connected, free, empathetic, safe, consensual, hopeful. Let’s build this world together – for everyone. Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault, statewide sexual assault helpline 1-800-871-7741. Free. 24/7. Confidential.

A future without sexual violence feels safe, connected, and free. Survivors are heard. Communities are strong. And boundaries are honored every time. 

Sound good? You’re not alone.  

Need to talk or to get some support? 24/7 Maine Helpline: 1-800-871-7741

The words “what does enthusiastic consent look and sound like?” and below that, several word bubbles of different shapes and colors saying things like: yes! Please! Love it. Yeah! Just like that! More!!! As well as the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault logo.

Consent isn’t just the absence of “no” - it’s the presence of an excited, informed “YES!”  

Healthy relationships start with respect and clear boundaries. 

Need help or want to talk? Call the Maine Sexual Assault Helpline: 1-800-871-7741

A line of young people with books and bags smiling and waving, with the words, campus safety needs all of us. We all have a role in preventing sexual violence! Together, we can build a culture where harm isn’t excused, ignored, or downplayed. Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault, statewide sexual assault helpline 1-800-871-7741. Free. 24/7. Confidential.

Half of all campus sexual assaults happen in the first months of the academic year – it's called The Red Zone. But we can all take responsibility for making campuses safer. 

Need support? Call the Helpline: 1-800-871-7741

Silhouettes of people standing in front of a crowd at a podium covered in microphones, with the words "When survivors speak, we listen. If the stories in the news right now are bringing up strong feelings, advocates are here to listen to you. Statewide sexual assault helpline 1-800-871-7741. Free. 24/7. Confidential. Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault."

Humbled by the courage of the survivors who stood yesterday to speak their truth – and we know that public disclosures like this can bring up difficult feelings for survivors.

Wherever you are on your path to healing – the Helpline is here.

Call when you need us. We’ll be here. 1-800-871-7741

A Back to School checklist including: buy notebooks and pencils, new school clothes, pack lunch and snacks, and not checked off yet, talk about boundaries and consent. Need help and resources for talking to your kids about these topics? There’s a lot of information at the CSP website! And the Children’s Safety Partnership logo with the website www.childrenssafetypartnership.org

Back-to-school tip: 📚 
 Pack the pencils and the consent skills. 
 Talk about personal space. 
 Model asking permission. 
 Show kids their boundaries matter. 

More tips: www.childrenssafetypartnership.org

A person comforts another person who looks sad and hunched over. Help is available, reach out today. September is Suicide Prevention Month. In crisis? Call or text 988 anytime.

Survivors often wrestle with depression and hopelessness. You are not alone - you matter. Help is here - please reach out.

If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. For support related to sexual violence, our helpline is always available at 1 800 871 7741.

A phone receiver with the cord going out in a line, with the words “When you’re ready to call, we’ll be here to answer. Maine’s sexual assault advocates are here every day (and night!) with supports and services for every survivor that needs them. Wherever you are in your healing journey, an advocate can help with finding resources and explaining your options. Statewide Sexual Assault Helpline. 1-800-871-7741. Free. 24/7. Confidential.” and the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault logo.

Whether it just happened, or you're finally ready to talk  – advocates are here. Whether it’s the middle of the day or the middle of the night – advocates are here. Support is available when you need it. 

1-800-871-7741 – it's anytime, anywhere, and meeting you however you are in this moment.

A list of 2025 Legislative highlights. Policy that puts survivors first. This session, the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault secured funding to sustain victim services, strengthened protections for people speaking out, expanded access to Protection from Abuse orders, and advanced Maine’s response to sex trafficking. Your support makes it possible. www.mecasa.org/donate

This session saw some huge wins for survivors – and all our policy work happens because of donors like you!

Right now, your support is amplified with a matching donation and will immediately support MECASA’s policy team as it advocates for policy that matters to survivors.  www.mecasa.org/donate

A child sits next to an adult, smiling and talking, with the words “When you listen, kids feel safe to talk. When kids feel “heard” about the small stuff, they are more comfortable talking to you about the big stuff! Preventing sexual abuse starts with building strong relationships with the kids in your life.” and the Children’s Safety Partnership logo.

When a child knows you’ll really listen—without judgment, shock, or interruption—they’re more likely to come to you when something feels wrong. 

Start early: listen closely to the small stuff, so they know they can come to you with the big stuff too. 

#SafeAdults #PreventionStartsWithUs

A bar of photos from this year’s legislative session, MECASA makes good policy; progress for survivors, powered by you. From expanding legal options to strengthening protections for survivors, MECASA’s advocacy at the State House is essential—and needs YOUR support. Help us with a donation today! mecasa.org/donate

This legislative session was incredibly impactful because of the work of our friends across the state! Collaborations with systems partners, with legislators, and with survivors and advocates made such a difference!

Can you keep this work going with a donation? www.mecasa.org/donate

Graphic of the Maine State House dome with the words, Under the Dome. Policy that puts survivors first. Your support makes this work possible. www.mecasa.org/donate Read our legislative report.

MECASA’s 2025 Legislative Report is HERE! Support from people like YOU makes this work possible – even small donations make a big difference. If you give now, your donation will be DOUBLED in our current capital campaign! www.mecasa.org/donate 

Read the report today: https://tinyurl.com/uhzhjtfa

Various silhouettes of people in different poses expressing different emotional states, with the words “There’s no right way to move forward. However you feel, wherever you are, advocates are here to listen, believe, and support you. Statewide Sexual Assault Helpline. 1-800-871-7741. Free. 24/7. Confidential.” and the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault logo.

When we experience a trauma like sexual assault, we might react in many ways – and those are all normal reactions to a truly not normal experience. 

Whether it’s been a day or many years, and whether you are feeling furious, scared, or empowered – advocates are here to listen - 1-800-871-7741.

A little girl plays with some toy unicorns in an office conference room

It’s a good thing we have so many unicorns in our office for when our littlest friends need to join us for the morning!

We're so grateful to work in a place that honors our whole selves - even when our littles tag along. We do our best when we have support!

#MECASAUnicorns #CutestInternsAround

A group of people walk up a dirt road in a lovely patch of woods after a long day of good work and swimming

The end of a fantastic retreat day! MECASA staff got to cultivate our connections, digging into deeper questions about how we do our best work together, and doing a little swimming and floating.

#LoveWhatWeDo #SupportingSurvivorsTogether #MECASA

A park scene with people spending time outdoors reading, laying in the sun, and playing with friends, with the words “Safer Spaces are prevention. Prevention means creating environments where everyone’s boundaries are honored.” and the Children’s Safety Partnership logo.

When we have safe, comfortable, & accessible places to be in community, we are more connected to one another! And that’s part of preventing sexual violence! 

We’re all in this together – let's make sure we take care of each other and the places we spend our time together. 

#CommunityIsPrevention