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When someone discloses that they have been sexually assaulted, our response matters. Survivors often carry the heavy weight of fear, shame, and self-doubt long before they speak their truth aloud. The courage it takes to share such a painful experience is immense. And yet, too often, survivors are met with disbelief, skepticism, or even blame. Believing survivors is not a radical act—it’s the bare minimum. Why Belief Matters: For many survivors, disclosure is a test of safety. They are watching closely to see if they will be met with compassion or judgment, support or dismissal. A response of “I believe you” can affirm their reality, help restore trust, create safety, and reduce the isolation they may feel. On the other hand, disbelief or questioning can deepen trauma and silence survivors further. Believing survivors also disrupts harmful cultural messages. Too often, our society focuses on doubt, myths about “false reports,” or victim-blaming narratives. Choosing to believe survivors challenges those myths and signals that their voices matter more than protecting harmful systems or reputations. The Bare Minimum: Belief is not the end of the work—it’s the starting point. Survivors deserve more than acknowledgment; they deserve access to resources, safety, healing, and justice. But none of that is possible without first affirming their experiences as real and valid. Believing survivors lays the foundation for every other form of support and advocacy. Everyone Has a Role: You don’t have to be a professional advocate to make a difference. Believing survivors can look like:
Moving Forward: Believing survivors is necessary, but it’s only the first step. From there, we must work together to build communities where prevention, accountability, and survivor-centered care are prioritized. When we start with belief, we affirm the humanity and dignity of survivors—and we move closer to a world where no one has to question whether their pain will be met with doubt.
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At Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Services (SAPARS), our work is clear and powerful: to support survivors of sexual violence and to prevent future harm through education and community action.
Every day, our team of advocates, prevention educators, and volunteers provides free, confidential services across Androscoggin, Oxford, and Franklin counties.
The need for this work is constant, critical—and growing. Survivors deserve immediate, compassionate support at any hour of the day or night. Prevention programs reach thousands of students and community members each year, helping to break the cycle of violence before it begins. Public grants and contracts help, but they rarely cover the true cost of round-the-clock crisis response, prevention education, and long-term advocacy. That’s why nonprofits like SAPARS rely on individual donations, business partnerships, and community fundraisers to fill the gap. When you give to SAPARS, you’re doing more than making a donation—you’re:
Funding SAPARS means investing in healing, education, and prevention. Whether through a one-time gift, a monthly pledge, or by joining us for our Pins for a Purpose Bowling Tournament on November 2, every dollar strengthens the safety net for survivors and helps build a future where sexual violence is no longer a reality. Together, we can sustain this vital work—and move toward a world where every person feels safe, valued, and heard. 💜 Donate or learn more at sapars.org. |
AuthorOur blog will feature the voices of SAPARS staff. ArchivesCategories |
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Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Services is funded in part by Maine's Department of Health and Human Services, United Way of Androscoggin County, United Way of Oxford County, United Way of the Tri-Valley Area, and your generous public and private donations.
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For 24/7 support call the confidential Maine Sexual Assault Helpline at 1-800-871-7741 or go here to chat online with an advocate from the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline.
SAPARS serves Androscoggin, Oxford, and Franklin Counties, and the communities of Bridgton and Harrison. |