Last week, the Department of Public Safety released their “Crime in Maine” report for 2003. After four years of increases, rapes reported to police decreased by 9 percent, from 391 rapes in 2002 to 353 in 2003. It’s important to note that these statistics reflect only crimes reported to police, and that sexual assault is one of the most widely underreported crimes with fewer than 55 percent of rapes reported to police.

In 2003, Maine’s 10 sexual assault crisis and support centers had 10,470 contacts with victim/survivors through the statewide hot line. Additionally, national statistics show that one in four women and one in six men will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime. This indicates that rape remains a prevalent problem for Maine citizens, and that many people are not reporting assaults.

There are many factors that keep victims and survivors from coming forward and reporting their assaults. Because of this, we, as a community, must do our part to end sexual assault. Call your local sexual assault crisis and support center to find out about volunteer opportunities and community education events. Report suspected child abuse. Encourage school boards to provide sexual harassment training for teachers. Most importantly, if someone confides in you about a sexual assault, let them know you believe them, it is not their fault, and that they have your support. Encourage them to call the hotline and consider reporting the assault to police.

Sarah Stewart,

public awareness coordinator,

Maine Coalition Against

Sexual Assault, Augusta