Our Middle School Sequence consists of 9 lessons designed for classrooms in grades 6-8. These lessons are available to any teacher for free. Please email [email protected] for access.

We recommend students receive 3 SASSMM lessons per school year and begin at the start of the sequence. If students have not yet had any SASSMM lessons in middle school, they will start the sequence at Lesson 1. 
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​We ask for students to receive the sequence in order and without skips, as lessons are designed to scaffold in a trauma-informed way that aligns with SASSMM’s teaching standards. Please consult with your local SASSMM educator regarding any questions or requests.

Each lesson can be adapted for in-person or virtual teaching and runs 40-60 minutes long.  

For questions about the curriculum or to schedule with SASSMM, please email Education Program Coordinator Karissa at [email protected] or your local SASSMM educator. 

Lesson 1: Personal Boundaries

At SASSMM, we view boundary education as a core piece of sexual violence prevention. This foundational lesson provides an overview of personal boundaries that will be essential for students moving through the rest of the middle school sequence.  In this lesson, students will have the opportunity to reflect on their own personal boundaries and learn to recognize when their own/someone else’s boundaries may have been crossed in a physical and/or emotional way.  
  • Major concepts: Personal boundaries, boundary crossing, bodily autonomy 
  • Grade(s): 6-8 
  • View lesson handout

Lesson 2: Consent

This lesson introduces consent as a method of understanding and respecting boundaries. The lesson demonstrates how and why consent is important in many contexts including but not limited to friendships and romantic relationships. Students will have the opportunity to practice recognizing consent through a series of activities. 
  • Major concepts: Consent, boundary crossing 

​Lesson 3: Gender Norms

Increased gender equity is a protective factor in preventing sexual violence. In this lesson, students will explore gender through a socio-cultural lens by learning about gender stereotypes and how they affect people of all identities. Students will also examine how gender norms can lead to boundary crossing.  
  • Major concepts: Gender stereotypes & norms, gender binary, gender policing 
  • Grade(s): 6-8 
  • View lesson handout​​

Lesson 4: Relationships

This lesson focuses on relationships through the lens of boundaries and consent. Students will assess how power dynamics affect relationships and the ability to consent. Students will also consider how boundaries can vary across different relationships.  
  • Major concepts: Relationships, power dynamics, consent 
  • Grade(s): 7-8 

Lesson 5: Sexuality

This lesson introduces sexuality concepts in a neutral, affirming way before the next module teaches about sexual harm, which promotes differentiation between consensual sexual activity and sexual violence. Understanding sexuality from a socio-cultural perspective helps students think critically about identity, norms, and violence. Students will explore social ideas and stigmas about sexuality and terms related to sexual orientation.  
  • Major concepts: Sexuality, sexual orientation, sexual activity, shame & stigma 
  • Grade(s): 7-8 

Lesson 6: Sexual Harassment

This lesson draws upon core topics from the previous lessons to increase understanding of sexual harassment as a form of boundary crossing. Students will learn a definition of sexual harassment and apply their knowledge in a scenario activity. Students will also be provided with resources and learn about what they can do if they or someone they know is being harassed.  
  • Major concepts: Sexual harassment, consent, boundary crossing 
  • Grade(s): 7-8 

Lesson 7: Sexting & Digital Safety

This lesson focuses on the importance of consent in all digital interactions. Through activities and discussion, students will examine key concepts from previous lessons (such as boundaries and harassment) in the context of online spaces and sexting behaviors. Students will also explore resource options, including support around non-consensual image dissemination. 
  • Major concepts: Virtual boundaries and consent, sexting, digital safety, boundary crossing
  • Grade(s): 7-8

Nondiscrimination Policy

Sexual Assault Support Services of Midcoast Maine does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex/gender, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation and all other characteristics and status in any group protected by city, state and federal laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment and to the provision of any services offered or provided by the agency.

Office Drop-ins

​Please call the State-wide Sexual Assault Helpline to set up a time with an advocate to meet with you in person at one of our offices. Our advocates are not available to the public in SASSMM/CAC office spaces 24/7. We require an advanced notice to ensure that an advocate can be available and present to meet with you to help address your needs.

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

Administrative Office: 
​(207) 725-2181

P.O. Box 990
Brunswick, ME 04011
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SASSMM serves a portion of Wabanaki territory also known as Midcoast Maine.