What is an Advocate?A sexual assault support advocate is someone who can support anyone affected by sexual violence. Advocates can go with survivors to the hospital, to the police, or to court. They are also available to talk if you need support or to find out what your options are. Advocates are also available to talk to family and friends of survivors who may be having a difficult time. They are available 24/7 by calling the Statewide Sexual Assault Helpline at 1-800-871-7741. Advocates are there to help you with what you need -- even if what you're looking for is just someone to listen.
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What happens when I call the Helpline?
You can get help over the phone. We can help you at the hospital. We can help you if you want to talk to the police. What you share is up to you. What you do is up to you.
When you call the Statewide Sexual Assault Helpline at 1-800-871-7741, you will be connected to an advocate who can support you. An advocate will either answer your call right away OR your call will be answered by our answering service. The answering service will ask for your name (you can give an alternative name or remain anonymous if you'd like), phone number, and the county you live in. An advocate from your closest sexual assault center will call you back from a private number and offer support. The answering service can help you if your phone does not take calls from private numbers or if it’s not safe to get a call back. If you would like to talk to someone from a different sexual assault center, that is okay too. Just let them know.
When you call the Statewide Sexual Assault Helpline at 1-800-871-7741, you will be connected to an advocate who can support you. An advocate will either answer your call right away OR your call will be answered by our answering service. The answering service will ask for your name (you can give an alternative name or remain anonymous if you'd like), phone number, and the county you live in. An advocate from your closest sexual assault center will call you back from a private number and offer support. The answering service can help you if your phone does not take calls from private numbers or if it’s not safe to get a call back. If you would like to talk to someone from a different sexual assault center, that is okay too. Just let them know.
What is mandated reporting? Will you have to report if I tell you what happened?
Sexual assault support advocates in Maine are mandated reporters. This means that if we hear or suspect that a child or incapacitated adult* has been hurt physically, sexually, or through neglect, we have to let the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) or the District Attorney’s Office know about it.
The advocate can work with you every step of the way and talk about what information will go into their report. We want you to be safe, and you are the only one who knows what is safe for you. You have a choice about what information you share with us. You don’t have to share how old you are, your last name, the town you live in, the school you go to, the name of the person who caused harm, or other identifying information. You can share with an advocate whatever you feel comfortable sharing.
The reason why the Statewide Sexual Assault Helpline answering service asks for a name, call back number, and county is so that an advocate at your closest center can give you a call back.
You have rights when interacting with DHHS, including the right to have an attorney represent you in court. For more information about your rights when interacting with DHHS, click here.
*An incapacitated adult is an adult who is not legally able to make decisions for themselves.
The advocate can work with you every step of the way and talk about what information will go into their report. We want you to be safe, and you are the only one who knows what is safe for you. You have a choice about what information you share with us. You don’t have to share how old you are, your last name, the town you live in, the school you go to, the name of the person who caused harm, or other identifying information. You can share with an advocate whatever you feel comfortable sharing.
The reason why the Statewide Sexual Assault Helpline answering service asks for a name, call back number, and county is so that an advocate at your closest center can give you a call back.
You have rights when interacting with DHHS, including the right to have an attorney represent you in court. For more information about your rights when interacting with DHHS, click here.
*An incapacitated adult is an adult who is not legally able to make decisions for themselves.
What if I’m not sure what happened was sexual assault or rape?
It is still okay to call. We can talk about it.
Even if you’re not sure what happened was a sexual assault, Maine’s sexual assault support advocates can help you talk through what happened and make a decision about what you’d like to do (if anything) next. We are here to listen and support you in however you want to move forward.
Even if you’re not sure what happened was a sexual assault, Maine’s sexual assault support advocates can help you talk through what happened and make a decision about what you’d like to do (if anything) next. We are here to listen and support you in however you want to move forward.
What if what happened to me was a long time ago?
You can still call. Some people call right away. Some people call after many years, even decades. You can reach out whenever you are ready and we will be here.
If I call or meet with an advocate, do I have to talk to the police?
No, calling us does not mean that you have to report to the police. We are here to listen, discuss potential options (if you're interested), and support your decisions. Reporting to the police is one of the options, but we won’t tell you what to do. You know your life best and we believe that you have the right to make that decision for yourself.
Can a guy call?
Yes, we help anyone impacted by sexual violence! We are here to provide support to anyone regardless of their race, ethnicity, ability, sexuality, gender, religion, age, or any other identity.
Can I call for a friend?
Yes. We know that a survivor's family and friends may have a lot of difficult feelings and responses when someone they love was assaulted. You may feel angry, sad, scared, or unsure of what to do. We are here to support and listen to anyone impacted by sexual violence who needs to talk.
What do I do if a child tells me about an assault or abuse?
Your response to the child is very important, especially if you’re the first person the child is telling. The most important thing to do is believe them and thank them for telling you. For guidance on best practice responses, click here. We are available to talk you through a disclosure and to help you figure out ways to take care of yourself and those around you. If you are a mandated reporter, it is important that you make a report to Child Protective Services as soon as possible at 1-800-452-1999.
What area do you work in?
SASSMM is one of several sexual assault support centers in Maine. If you live in Eastern Cumberland, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Knox, or Waldo Counties, we are your local center. Click here to find other centers in Maine.
Do you have more questions? We are happy to answer them! |
