ACCESS AN ADVOCATE
All programs and services provided by
Sexual Assault Prevention & Response Services are free.
Sexual Assault Prevention & Response Services are free.
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An advocate at SAPARS is someone who assists people who have experienced any type of sexual violence. They often listen, provide emotional support, and talk about options. In addition, advocates can: Help navigate complex systems like court or school Answer questions about reporting to police Make referrals to other community services Assist in planning for safety or other needs SAPARS advocates provide free and confidential* support, information and resources to survivors, concerned others (family members, friends, partners) and professionals in Franklin, Oxford and Androscoggin Counties, and also in the communities of Bridgton and Harrison. Additional services include: Medical and Legal Advocacy Support Groups School Presentations Community Education Professional Training Courses |
Call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 1-800-871-7741. TTY #1-888-458-5599 Text services available 8am - 8pm, Monday-Friday: 1-800-871-7741. Chat services available 8am - 8pm, Monday-Friday. Click here to chat NOW The helpline is staffed by caring advocates who provide support and information to victim-survivors of sexual assault, family members, partners, and community members. Our trained advocates can:
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Dealing with the effects of sexual assault and sexual abuse can be a very lonely and scary time. You don’t have to go through it alone. If you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual assault, sexual abuse, stalking or sexual harassment, call our helpline. Our staff and trained volunteers are waiting to hear form you. We care. We believe. We listen.
*We are mandated reporters. That means we have to follow Maine state reporting laws. If we think you are under 18 or an adult dependent on care from others, and you tell us any information that makes us think you are being abused or neglected, we may have to share this with other adults to help keep you safe.
*We are mandated reporters. That means we have to follow Maine state reporting laws. If we think you are under 18 or an adult dependent on care from others, and you tell us any information that makes us think you are being abused or neglected, we may have to share this with other adults to help keep you safe.
ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS
What if what happened was a long time ago?
You can still call. Some people call right away. Some people call after many years. Whenever it happened we will listen and give you support.
If I call, do I have to talk to the police?
No you do not have to tell the police what happened. It is up to you. We won’t tell you what to do and we are not part of the police department.
Will you tell anyone about what I tell you?
Our services are confidential, which means that we don't tell anyone what you say or that you called us. But, we are mandated reporters. That means we have to follow Maine state reporting laws. If we think you are under 18 and you tell us any information that makes us think you are being abused or neglected, we may have to share this with other adults to help keep you safe.
Can anyone call?
Yes. We will help anyone no matter who they are.
Can I call for a friend?
Yes. We will help you think of ways to support your friend. We can also talk with you about your own feelings about what happened to your friend.
Why should I call?
You may feel mad, sad, or scared.
You may want to get help for yourself. You may want to get help for a friend.
You may want to talk to someone or ask questions.
You may want to find out your rights. You may want to find other services.
You may need help making sure you’re safe.
What do I do if a child tells me about abuse?
You may not know what to say or do. We will help you come up with a plan.
What are my rights as a victim of crime in Maine?
All victims of crime are entitled to the following rights:
To be treated with dignity and respect.
To be assisted by criminal justice agencies.
To be free from intimidation.
To be informed about the criminal justice system.
Whenever practicable, to be notified of plea agreements, and the right to comment on them.
Whenever practicable, to be notified of all judicial proceedings, including time and place of trial.
To have input at sentencing.
To request restitution.
To request compensation from the Victim Compensation Board for unreimbursed medical and medically-related expenses for victims of violent crime.
To be notified of an offender’s release from institutional confinement in all felony cases.
To be provided with a pamphlet containing certain statutes which pertain to victims’ rights.
You can still call. Some people call right away. Some people call after many years. Whenever it happened we will listen and give you support.
If I call, do I have to talk to the police?
No you do not have to tell the police what happened. It is up to you. We won’t tell you what to do and we are not part of the police department.
Will you tell anyone about what I tell you?
Our services are confidential, which means that we don't tell anyone what you say or that you called us. But, we are mandated reporters. That means we have to follow Maine state reporting laws. If we think you are under 18 and you tell us any information that makes us think you are being abused or neglected, we may have to share this with other adults to help keep you safe.
Can anyone call?
Yes. We will help anyone no matter who they are.
Can I call for a friend?
Yes. We will help you think of ways to support your friend. We can also talk with you about your own feelings about what happened to your friend.
Why should I call?
You may feel mad, sad, or scared.
You may want to get help for yourself. You may want to get help for a friend.
You may want to talk to someone or ask questions.
You may want to find out your rights. You may want to find other services.
You may need help making sure you’re safe.
What do I do if a child tells me about abuse?
You may not know what to say or do. We will help you come up with a plan.
What are my rights as a victim of crime in Maine?
All victims of crime are entitled to the following rights:
To be treated with dignity and respect.
To be assisted by criminal justice agencies.
To be free from intimidation.
To be informed about the criminal justice system.
Whenever practicable, to be notified of plea agreements, and the right to comment on them.
Whenever practicable, to be notified of all judicial proceedings, including time and place of trial.
To have input at sentencing.
To request restitution.
To request compensation from the Victim Compensation Board for unreimbursed medical and medically-related expenses for victims of violent crime.
To be notified of an offender’s release from institutional confinement in all felony cases.
To be provided with a pamphlet containing certain statutes which pertain to victims’ rights.
