Sexual assault occurs in all of our communities and can happen to anyone at any time regardless of gender, age, ethnicity or location. National statistics demonstrate that one in four women and one in six men will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime. In Maine, there were 353 rapes reported to law enforcement in 2003.

For more than 30 years, Maine’s 10 sexual assault crisis and support centers have been available to respond to reports of sexual assault and provide comprehensive services to the community that are both proactive and reactive to issues of sexual violence. Each center offers a 24-hour crisis and support line staffed by trained advocates who are available to support and work with victim-survivors through their medical, legal and healing processes. These centers offer support groups to both female and male victim-survivors. Finally, true to their commitment to work to end sexual violence in Maine, each center provides community and school-based education programs.

In 2003, these centers had 10,470 contacts with victim-survivors and the people close to them through the statewide sexual assault crisis and support line. It is evident not only that sexual assault is prevalent, but communities across Maine rely on the services of their local sexual assault crisis and support centers.

The past five years have seen decreases in state and federal funding for nonprofits in Maine, including Maine’s sexual assault crisis and support centers. As a result of these financial cutbacks, organizations are relying heavily on community support and private donations, which have also declined in the past years. This funding landscape has put a strain on the budgets of these centers.

It is now more important than ever to reach out and support local sexual assault crisis and support centers. Private donations from individuals and organizations can truly make a difference when other funding sources are tight. Financial contributions made to sexual assault crisis and support centers will help to provide crisis intervention, education and support to victim-survivors. Ensuring that these services will always be available can help diminish the long-term effects of rape and sexual abuse and contribute to prevention efforts in the community.

To reach the free and confidential statewide sexual assault crisis and support line, please call 1-800-871-7741 (or TTY: 1-888-458-5599) from anywhere in Maine.

Sarah A. Stewart is the public awareness coordinator for the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault.