Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault

Is managing budgets and grants your jam? Do you want to help other people do it too?

The Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MECASA) is seeking a team member to join our creative, supportive, and energetic office. The Finance and Operations Director is responsible for the creation, maintenance, and oversight of MECASA’s financial systems and finances; management of grant and contract reporting and compliance; financial technical assistance and support for sub-recipients; and oversight of administrative operations. A position description can be found on our website at https://www.mecasa.org/job-openings.html

Affirmations are a simple but powerful tool for healing! By consciously replacing negative thoughts with positive ones, we can use the neuroplasticity of our brains – our mind’s ability to adapt and change over time – to move away from our trauma responses (which are normal and expected but can impact our lives in negative ways) towards healing and growth.

This article provides some guidance on using affirmations effectively: https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/do-affirmations-work

Here’s a lovely list of affirmations to add to your toolbox and make your own - https://thewellnesssociety.org/76-healing-cptsd-quotes-and-affirmations/

The trauma of experiencing s*xual violence can impact all parts of our lives – our mental and physical health, our work, and our relationships. Healing takes time – but it IS possible, and you don’t have to do it alone. Call the statewide Sexual Assault Helpline anytime at 1-800-871-7741 to get connected with an advocate who can help you ground yourself, make a safety plan, provide resources, and talk about your options.

Our latest Legislative Report is here! Read about the newest laws MECASA helped advocate for – like fixing a huge funding gap, adjusting our stalking statutes to align with a new Supreme Court decision, and clarifying the language of a ground-breaking law that will help child s*xual abuse survivors seek justice. We also summarize new laws that will positively impact survivors, like supporting better access to basic needs like healthcare for ALL Mainers (because we know that ending s*xual violence begins with making sure everyone has what they need to thrive!).

Read our 2024 Legislative Report here:https://www.mecasa.org/uploads/1/0/1/7/101776612/2024_mecasa_legislative_report_131st_legislature_second_session_final.pdf

If this work is important to you, consider donating to it!

www.mecasa.kindful.com

Northern and Downeast Maine friends! AMHC Sexual Assault Services is looking for people ready to support survivors as volunteer Helpline advocates - you'll get free training and the opportunity to join a remarkable group of folks who are listening, believing, and supporting survivors of s*xual violence in your communities!

Reach out today to learn more.

Earlier this month, MECASA Policy Director Melissa and Systems Coordinator Carlie presented at the School Resource Officer training at the Maine Criminal Justice Institute. They talked and taught about child s*xual abuse, Title IX, and CACs and ways SROs can ensure young people in their schools get access to services.

Thank you to everyone that joined us for this training – we want every school resource officer to have the best understanding of these issues so that they can serve every child in their schools!

Meditation has been shown to help improve symptoms of PTSD – meditating can help us be more in touch with what’s happening in our bodies, help us ground and witness our emotions non-judgmentally, and lower our blood pressure and stress levels. BUT, it is important to remember that meditation may be triggering for trauma survivors at first – causing flashbacks, panic attacks, or other reactions. Working with a therapist when starting meditation is a great way to learn how to manage any triggers that occur.

One kind of meditation that can be helpful is a “safe space” meditation – by envisioning in our minds a place where we feel safe and at peace, we can revisit that place in times of stress to help ground us through hard experiences or emotions. Here’s one example of a script you can use to do this meditation yourself: https://www.riverbanktherapy.com/blog/2023/12/14/guided-visualization-meditation-to-build-a-sense-of-safety

The trauma of experiencing s*xual violence can impact all parts of our lives – our mental and physical health, our work, and our relationships. Healing takes time – but it IS possible, and you don’t have to do it alone. Call the statewide Sexual Assault Helpline anytime at 1-800-871-7741 to get connected with an advocate who can help you ground yourself, make a safety plan, provide resources, and talk about your options.

We are so lucky to have in Maine a network of brilliant and dedicated people working at nonprofit organizations on the issues that impact survivors and their loved ones. We know that s*xual violence does not happen in a vacuum – inequality, poverty, racism, s*xism, housing, mental health, immigration, and so many other circumstances are factors in s*xual violence. We also know they impact the options that survivors have to seek healing and accountability.

Because of our connections with other nonprofits and the collaborations that blossom when we recognize how interconnected our work is, we can better serve every person who needs support. When we work together with culturally-specific organizations, survivors see their lived experiences reflected in the people who serve them. When we work with organizations focused on providing for specific needs, survivors have more ways to get to a place of safety and stability – which is the first step towards healing.

You can learn more about many of Maine’s nonprofits at the Maine Association of Nonprofit’s website: https://www.nonprofitmaine.org/

Maine advocates and MECASA staff have been having a wonderful time at this year’s National Sexual Assault Conference! NSAC is always a great opportunity to deepen our understanding of the causes of and solutions to s*xual violence, connect with peers from all over the country, and deepen our relationships with one another and the work.

Thank you to NSVRC and PCAR for putting together such a vibrant and engaging conference! We are so grateful to be in this work with you.

While we are busy making sure our kiddos have notebooks and pencils, a super-cool backpack, and a few outfits without grass stains, let’s take a moment to think about how to prepare them to successfully set and respect boundaries for themselves and for their friends and peers!

Teaching kids about boundaries, consent, and bodily autonomy should start early and be an ongoing conversation as children grow and learn about the world and about themselves! For more resources and information, check out the Children’s Safety Partnership website: https://www.childrenssafetypartnership.org/

Sexual Assault Support Services of Midcoast Maine’s new Online Support Group is starting next week, Tuesday, August 20th! If you are a survivor of s*xual violence in Maine and would like to learn more about this opportunity, please reach out to [email protected]

Trauma can really do a number on our brains and emotions – leading to dysregulated and heightened emotions, flashbacks, and a number of negative neurological impacts. But we have one tool at our disposal we all use every day: our breath!

Breathing techniques are low cost and available to us all the time – once we’ve learned a few, we can practice them anywhere. Check out this article for descriptions of a few different techniques you can try: https://spiritvibez.com/breathwork-to-release-trauma/

Be aware that the things we do to ground and release have the potential to lead to flashbacks or other discomfort – please try any exercises in a place you feel safe, get support from a trained professional if you need it, and know that the Helpline is available every day and night with advocacy services and support – 1-800-871-7741.

We talk a lot about the unequal risks of s*xual violence here at MECASA. To end s*xual violence, we need to understand the roots of that violence in our culture – and a big part of that is illuminated by the higher risk that historically excluded and oppressed people face.

Because s*xual violence is about power and control, people in groups that have had power taken away from them are more likely to experience violence. Black and Indigenous women, people with disabilities, transgender people – all these groups experience s*xual violence at much higher rates.

The risks of experiencing s*xual violence increase even more for people who belong to or identify with more than one at-risk group.

That’s where intersectionality comes in. To understand someone’s unique experiences (and risk factors), we must take into account the overlapping identities they hold. And as we work to end s*xual violence, we are learning more and more how ending inequity and oppression is fundamentally linked to ending violence.

For more information:https://www.calcasa.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/SAAM-2017-reduced-size-edited.pdf

Most new laws in Maine become “effective” – or go into law – 90 days after the end of the session they were created in. That’s today, friends!

Most of the bills that MECASA successfully helped make into law this past session were considered “emergency” bills – so things like fixes to the stalking statute to make sure it aligned with a recent Supreme Court decision and adjustments to make sure the new law allowing children’s forensic interviews to be admitted as evidence were on solid legal ground are ALREADY effective (Yay!).

But we are also excited that as of today, Maine’s new law protecting providers of gender affirming and reproductive healthcare will be in place, among other good policy that we supported this last session. Putting good policy into place can sometimes take a lot longer than we’d like – but MECASA will continue as we always have to advocate for laws that provide survivors better services, more options for healing, and stronger legal protections.

Today we celebrate the unique cultures and gifts of the world’s indigenous peoples, while understanding the impacts of colonialization and oppression on those peoples – who, while representing 5,000 unique cultures as 5% of the world's population, also represent 15% of the poorest people on the planet.

Here on the ancestral lands of the Maliseet, Mi’kmaq, Penobscot, and Passamaquoddy, in this place we now call Maine, the work to regain the sovereignty taken from the people collectively known as the Wabanaki continues to this day. MECASA supports the inherent sovereignty of the tribes of the Wabanaki and by applying the same protections and rights that other tribal nations enjoy, we will take a step towards healing and building bridges of community with our Native neighbors.

To learn more about the communities of the Mi’kmaq Nation, Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, Passamaquoddy Tribe and Penobscot Nation, as well as what you can do to support them, visit the Wabanaki Alliance website: https://www.wabanakialliance.com/

This past weekend, torrential rains caused flooding at Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine's office in Portland, causing quite a bit of damage to furniture, tech, and equipment, and rendering their space unusable for the next few weeks.

Services are still being provided! The incredibly dedicated SARSSM staff have scrambled to find alternative spaces to host support groups and other programming, and generous partners and allies have stepped up to help – but there is still much to be done.

Any and all donations at this time would be very gratefully received and would go towards ensuring swift resumption of at full capacity.

Thank you for your consideration and continued support! To donate please visit SARSSM’s website at https://www.sarssm.org/ways-to-give.html

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-X890YJgdl/

We’re wrapping up World Breastfeeding Week!

There are so many reasons a parent may be breastfeeding, chest feeding, or bottle feeding their baby. Medical conditions (for babies or parents) or lactation difficulties may impact a parent’s choice. Parents who have experienced trauma, including s*xual violence (at any point in their life) might experience triggers around using their body to feed their baby. Parents may need to balance their own mental health into how their baby is had.

No matter what reasons have led to how your baby is fed, outdated cultural hangups around “modesty” should NEVER need to be one of them!

Repeat after me: Chest. Feeding. Is. Not. Sexual.

You should never have to hide your baby under a blanket just because a stranger might get offended. It takes no effort to avert our eyes and keep our opinions to ourselves. It DOES take effort to feed your baby! We see you, we honor you, and we support you!

For additional resources on all things lactation, check out https://www.mainebreastfeeds.org/parents

Transgender people have always been a part of our communities and have very often been at the very front of movements against s*xual violence and for equality. From the formerly enslaved Frances Thompson speaking out against the s*xual violence she endured during the Memphis Riots of 1866 to Marsha P. Johnson leading the riot that was Stonewall in 1969, trans folks have been risking their lives to speak truth to power for a very long time.

For more about the rich history of transgender people in this country and in so many cultures across the world, go here: https://www.transgenderhistorymonth.com/

For National Wellness Month, let’s talk about different tools that survivors can use on their healing journey! Healing from the trauma of s*xual violence can be hard, isn’t always linear, and it helps to have the support of family and friends and your local advocates. But there are activities we can add to our daily routines that can help us when the symptoms of trauma rear up, or simply to stay grounded and avoid a trauma reaction in stressful situations.

One place to learn more about these techniques is at the movement’s Survivor Sanctuary - https://sanctuary.metoomvmt.org/ - this website has self-guided lessons designed and chosen just for survivors. So, make a cup of herbal tea, take a few deep breaths, and give yourself the gift of time just for you and your healing path.

You can also always call the statewide Helpline at 1-800-871-7741 to talk to an advocate any time - advocate services are a part of your toolbox too!

Our Prevention Director, Lisa Rävar, had a wonderful time getting to know some of our state’s stellar school nurses on Wednesday. She was able to present to two groups of nurses on Empowering School Nurses to Advance Safety and Respect in School Communities. Thank you for the opportunity to share during your Summer Institute!

Maine Department of Education

One way to prevent s*xual violence is by sharing power with and giving power to historically excluded groups! We know that Black people, particularly Black women, are at higher risk for s*xual violence. By supporting Black-owned businesses, we help level the wealth gap that contributes to continued inequality and thus, higher risks of violence.

Plus, we get to buy excellent goods and services from our Black neighbors, build connection and community, and support local economies! To find local Black Businesses in Maine, go here: https://www.blackownedmaine.com/

August is National Wellness Month. For survivors, the journey to healing can take many paths – and it often doesn’t look like a straight line! But wherever you are on that journey, know that there is support available.



If you or someone you love has been impacted by s*xual violence, you can connect with an advocate anytime, night or day. It’s free and confidential. Just call 1-800-871-7741 to get connected with services today.

The theme for this year’s World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is "Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking". We know that when children have their needs met, have trusted adults they can talk to, and feel connected to their peers and communities, they are at less risk for being trafficked and exploited.

If we want to keep kids safe, it’s on each of us to help build connections with the children in our lives, give them support through the difficulties of growing up, and create healthy and welcoming communities for everyone!

Join a great team and do vital work!

SAPARS is seeking a Children's Advocacy Center Family Advocate/Multidisciplinary Team Coordinator for Franklin and Oxford Counties. For more information and to view the job description, click the link below!

Join the Movement- Apply Today!

https://www.indeed.com/job/childrens-advocacy-center-family-advocatemdt-coordinator-deefd1690ce44aa5

34 years ago today, President Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act into law, and kickstarted huge changes in the public landscape that gave people with disabilities more access to the world and put ideas around inclusion for everyone into our society’s view.



There is still so much to do to build a truly accessible and inclusive world for everyone. The ADA was just one step. At MECASA, we are committed to building effective ways to serve all survivors, including those with disabilities, and to making sure that every person has the freedom to make their own choices in every part of their lives.

Happy Parents Day! MECASA wants to give a huge shout-out to every person doing the work of raising the next generation to be more accepting, more caring, and more understanding of their own and other people’s boundaries – this is hard and vital work that will create new cultures of consent and autonomy across our communities!



The Children’s Safety Partnership is there to support you – because we know that most of us were raised with ideas that may feel both a little out-of-date, but also hard to let go of! Talking about bodies and consent can feel really awkward – but we’ve got you covered, with tools and answers and book suggestions to help guide you through the uncomfortable spots. Learn more at: https://www.childrenssafetypartnership.org/

Work with the Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous & Tribal Populations as a Fellow! These fellowships are meant to forward the Commission's goals of a future in which all voices are heard, particularly in policy and research work.

For more information: https://pcritp.me/dCJF

Sexual Assault Support Services of Midcoast Maine's online Helproom support group is taking a short break, but look for new online options from them coming soon!

Hello folks!
Due to ongoing technical difficulties with our online Help Room support group, we've decided to take a break from it for the month of July. We apologize to anyone trying to log on, and not being able to access it.
SASSMM is working on a new online support group, that we hope to roll out mid-August. We'll update our Facebook, Instagram, and website with more information in the coming weeks.

Our programs aren’t just for s*xual assault. We also support people who are experiencing stalking, s*xual harassment, s*x exploitation, and human trafficking. Even if it’s not a crime. Even if you’re not sure what to call it. Just last year MECASA programs served over 200 individuals who experienced human trafficking and s*x exploitation.

Call the Helpline anytime to connect with an advocate – 1-800-871-7741.

What a glorious day for some Disability Pride! MECASA and Sexual Assault Crisis & Support Center staff were on hand to celebrate with our friends from Disability Rights Maine - you all put on a great show!

It was also wonderful to see and connect with colleagues from Speaking Up For Us, Maine Developmental Disabilities Council, Consumer Council System of Maine, EqualityMaine, Secretary of State- State of Maine, and so many more. The networks of advocacy for people with disabilities in our state are incredible ❤

Today is Hug Your Kids (with consent!) Day! Cuddles with our littles are precious – and so is teaching them that their bodies are their personal space. Give your kids the gift of asking for a hug today.