School Drop-In Hours
SASSMM offers confidential support for students at the request of local high schools. SASSMM advocates are available during specific drop-in hours, and students do not need permission or an appointment to meet with an advocate. Advocates provide emotional support, information, resources, and referrals. Students are welcome to talk to an advocate about any experiences or questions that feel related to gender, sexuality, consent, boundaries, or sexual violence. Students can talk to advocates one-on-one or bring a friend with them.
Advocates are mandated reporters and are required to report to DHHS any concerns of abuse or neglect of a minor. Other than safety concerns, SASSMM advocates will not share any information from their conversations with students with school staff or parents, without the student's express permission. If students have questions about mandated reporting or confidentiality, advocates are happy to have a conversation with them at the start of the drop-in session.
If you're interested in having SASSMM provide this service at your school, or organization, please reach out to us at: [email protected]
SASSMM's resource toolkit for teens can be viewed and downloaded here.
Advocates are mandated reporters and are required to report to DHHS any concerns of abuse or neglect of a minor. Other than safety concerns, SASSMM advocates will not share any information from their conversations with students with school staff or parents, without the student's express permission. If students have questions about mandated reporting or confidentiality, advocates are happy to have a conversation with them at the start of the drop-in session.
If you're interested in having SASSMM provide this service at your school, or organization, please reach out to us at: [email protected]
SASSMM's resource toolkit for teens can be viewed and downloaded here.
Medical Care
If you have been assaulted, consider going to the hospital emergency department or to your primary care physician as soon as possible. A free medical forensic exam ("rape kit") is available to survivors after an assault, if you choose to accept any part of it. Specially trained forensic nurses are available to check for and treat injuries, offer preventative care, and collect evidence at many Maine hospitals. Evidence collection can be done anonymously.
- You may have been injured; you may not see or feel some injuries right away.
- You can receive care for sexually transmitted infections and/or pregnancy prevention.
- You have the option of having evidence collected for a criminal investigation. If possible, do not wash, brush teeth, smoke, eat, drink, or change your clothes.
Police Report
A patrol officer may be the first person to respond to your call. They will ask you for a brief statement about the assault. An investigating officer may also interview you to gather specific information about the crime.
Please note: You do not have to report to the police to use our services. We know that for many people, involving the police doesn't feel safe and can cause more harm. If you decide to report to police, this is what that process may look like. An advocate can help you understand all of your options after an assault and be there for you throughout the entire process. We support your right to make the best choice for you.
- The officer will ask a lot of questions to make a thorough investigation of the assault.
- Some questions may seem embarrassing and difficult to answer. Take as much time as you need.
- You can take a break from answering questions.
- You have the right to an advocate for support through the whole process. Contact the Statewide Sexual Assault Helpline to reach an advocate.
Please note: You do not have to report to the police to use our services. We know that for many people, involving the police doesn't feel safe and can cause more harm. If you decide to report to police, this is what that process may look like. An advocate can help you understand all of your options after an assault and be there for you throughout the entire process. We support your right to make the best choice for you.
Court
Our advocates can provide support through the criminal or civil court process. We can also provide information about legal resources like Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders, which is one option to help keep you safe from the person who harmed you. We can also refer you to legal services and and be present with you at court. Contact the Statewide Sexual Assault Helpline to reach an advocate.
