Editor:
According to the Maine Department of Public Safety, for the third year in a row, there was an increase in the number of rapes reported to police in Maine; up by more than 15 percent from 2006. It is challenging to know whether this means rape is increasing or if more victims and survivors are reporting their assaults.
We at Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine (SARSSM) hope it is the latter. We have been at the forefront of creating and implementing a coordinated response to sexual violence through countywide Sexual Assault Response Teams, an interdisciplinary response to the crime of sexual violence and are comprised of law enforcement, prosecution, health care and victim advocates. These disciplines work together following guidelines that support an informed response to this devastating crime. SARSSM is a crucial part of these teams and have advocates available to support victim and survivors when they are faced with making difficult decisions about what options for reporting and healing from this trauma are best for them. As we learn more about the prevalence of sexual violence and reporting trends, we will use this information to better inform our prevention efforts so we can help ensure this violence will someday end. Until then, all victims and survivors and their loved ones should know there are support and resources available to them in their communities.
Anyone wishing to learn more about SARSSM and the support we can provide can call the statewide sexual assault crisis and support line at 1-800-871-7741 24-hours a day.
Cyndi Amato,
Executive Director
SARSSM