Here's your annual holiday reminder: we don't owe ANYONE physical affection - even if they expect it. Our kids don't either. As parents and caregivers, we have a responsibility to stand up for our kids and have those (sometimes uncomfortable) conversations! Everyone deserves to have bodily autonomy!

As this year comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on what makes this work possible: people like you.  Because of community support, survivors across Maine can access compassionate, survivor-centered care. Your support helps ensure this work continues in the future.  mecasa.org/donate

When survivors reach out, advocates answer.  In fiscal year 2025, advocates across Maine responded to 2,012 Helpline calls and provided one-on-one support to 5,745 clients — listening, believing, and helping people understand their options at moments that matter most.

Every survivor should be able to get the help they need — whether that’s medical care, legal options, housing support, counseling, or simply someone who will listen. Advocates help survivors understand their choices and connect with resources. Call the Helpline anytime: 1-800-871-7741

Healing isn’t linear — and no one should have to walk that path alone. Advocates across Maine show up with care, information, and connection so survivors can move at their own pace, in their own way. If you need someone to talk to, we’re here 24/7: 1-800-871-7741

MECASA is hiring for our next Public Policy (and Legal) Director!  To learn more and to apply, a position description can be found on our website at https://www.mecasa.org/job-openings.html

The holidays can bring up a lot — memories, feelings, pressure to be “okay.” If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. You deserve care and space to feel what you feel.   💛 Support is available anytime through the free, confidential Maine Sexual Assault Helpline: 1-800-871-7741

Ending sexual violence takes all of us.  When we nurture empathy, teach consent, and care for one another — we’re building the kind of world we all deserve.    Join us in growing healthy, safe communities for everyone.  If you need support, call the Maine Sexual Assault Helpline: 1-800-871-7741

November is Native American Heritage Month, but here at MECASA, we know the Wabanaki Women’s Coalition is doing the work of supporting their tribal members every day. Get connected to culturally appropriate tribal advocacy at  https://www.wabanakiwomenscoalition.org/

As the days get shorter, we keep showing up. Advocates are here - always.    If you need support, call the Maine Sexual Assault Helpline anytime: 1-800-871-7741  #HereWhenYouNeedUs #ListenBelieveSupport

Want to show your support for survivors and demand accountability from those in power? Now you can wear that support while raising money for survivors of human trafficking in Maine! Buy yours today here: www.bonfire.com/store/mecasa/ Several versions of the shirt - all supporting survivors!

Most survivors never report to police - and there are so many reasons why.    Instead of asking “why didn’t they?” we can ask “what can we change?”  Let’s create a culture that makes reporting - and not reporting - feel safe, supported, and respected.  Maine Sexual Assault Helpline: 1-800-871-7741

Behind every number is a person — a neighbor, coworker, friend, classmate.  When we listen without judgment & believe without hesitation we make a more compassionate world for everyone.  💜 If you or someone you care about needs support, the Maine Sexual Assault Helpline is here: 1-800-871-7741

On Tuesday, November 4th, we have a chance to make our collective voice heard.    For survivors, voting can be an act of reclaiming power & shaping a future grounded in safety and respect. For all of us, we can support policies that support healing and justice – when we vote with survivors in mind.

Someone just told you they were assaulted.  Your heart is racing. You’re trying to stay calm, but your brain is screaming:  “What do I do now?”  Call us.  We’ll help you figure out how to support them around options for their next steps.   📞 1-800-871-7741

Healing takes a village. And we’re here for yours.  The Helpline isn’t just for survivors — it’s for the friends, family, coworkers, and loved ones who are walking alongside them.  We can help you be the best support possible.  📞 1-800-871-7741   24/7. Free. Private.

You don’t have to be a therapist.  You don’t have to say the perfect words.  You just have to care.  The Helpline can help you provide the best support you can – and to process your feelings about what happened.   📞 1-800-871-7741   Free. Confidential. Here for you 24/7.

“I want to help, but I’m scared I’ll mess it up.”  Same. That’s why I called.  The Helpline helped me figure out how to be there for my friend without trying to fix everything or make it about me.  📞 1-800-871-7741   For support, for information, for the people who care.

It’s hard to know how to support someone who’s been hurt.  But you don’t need to know everything.  Just showing up, listening, and reminding them they’re not alone can be the beginning of healing.  The Helpline is here to help you show up.   📞 1-800-871-7741   Confidential. 24/7.

Last week, leaders from sexual assault support centers across Maine gathered for our Member Advisory Council retreat! Advocates guide everything we do at MECASA — from policy to systems change. Always a joy to gather for fun, connection, and conversations that strengthen our work for survivors.

You found out someone you care about was hurt. You want to help, but afraid of saying the wrong thing.  You don’t need to figure this out on your own. The Helpline is here for you, too. We can talk through what happened, how to support someone, and how to take care of yourself.  1-800-871-7741

A future without sexual violence feels safe, connected, and free. Survivors are heard. Communities are strong. And boundaries are honored every time.  Sound good? You’re not alone.   Need to talk or to get some support? 24/7 Maine Helpline: 1-800-871-7741

Consent isn’t just the absence of “no” - it’s the presence of an excited, informed “YES!”   Healthy relationships start with respect and clear boundaries.  Need help or want to talk? Call the Maine Sexual Assault Helpline: 1-800-871-7741

Half of all campus sexual assaults happen in the first months of the academic year – it's called The Red Zone. But we can all take responsibility for making campuses safer.  Need support? Call the Helpline: 1-800-871-7741

Humbled by the courage of the survivors who stood yesterday to speak their truth – and we know that public disclosures like this can bring up difficult feelings for survivors. Wherever you are on your path to healing – the Helpline is here. Call when you need us. We’ll be here. 1-800-871-7741

Back-to-school tip: 📚   Pack the pencils and the consent skills.   Talk about personal space.   Model asking permission.   Show kids their boundaries matter.  More tips: www.childrenssafetypartnership.org

Survivors often wrestle with depression and hopelessness. You are not alone - you matter. Help is here - please reach out. If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. For support related to sexual violence, our helpline is always available at 1 800 871 7741.

Whether it just happened, or you're finally ready to talk  – advocates are here. Whether it’s the middle of the day or the middle of the night – advocates are here. Support is available when you need it.  1-800-871-7741 – it's anytime, anywhere, and meeting you however you are in this moment.

This session saw some huge wins for survivors – and all our policy work happens because of donors like you! Right now, your support is amplified with a matching donation and will immediately support MECASA’s policy team as it advocates for policy that matters to survivors.  www.mecasa.org/donate

When a child knows you’ll really listen—without judgment, shock, or interruption—they’re more likely to come to you when something feels wrong.  Start early: listen closely to the small stuff, so they know they can come to you with the big stuff too.  #SafeAdults #PreventionStartsWithUs

This legislative session was incredibly impactful because of the work of our friends across the state! Collaborations with systems partners, with legislators, and with survivors and advocates made such a difference! Can you keep this work going with a donation? www.mecasa.org/donate

MECASA’s 2025 Legislative Report is HERE! Support from people like YOU makes this work possible – even small donations make a big difference. If you give now, your donation will be DOUBLED in our current capital campaign! www.mecasa.org/donate  Read the report today: https://tinyurl.com/uhzhjtfa

When we experience a trauma like sexual assault, we might react in many ways – and those are all normal reactions to a truly not normal experience.  Whether it’s been a day or many years, and whether you are feeling furious, scared, or empowered – advocates are here to listen - 1-800-871-7741.

It’s a good thing we have so many unicorns in our office for when our littlest friends need to join us for the morning! We're so grateful to work in a place that honors our whole selves - even when our littles tag along. We do our best when we have support! #MECASAUnicorns #CutestInternsAround

The end of a fantastic retreat day! MECASA staff got to cultivate our connections, digging into deeper questions about how we do our best work together, and doing a little swimming and floating. #LoveWhatWeDo #SupportingSurvivorsTogether #MECASA

When we have safe, comfortable, & accessible places to be in community, we are more connected to one another! And that’s part of preventing sexual violence!  We’re all in this together – let's make sure we take care of each other and the places we spend our time together.  #CommunityIsPrevention

Truly lucky to work with the Statewide Advocate Training Workgroup to improve the foundational training for all advocates. This work ensures the highest quality training and equips advocates with the knowledge and resources to best support survivors. Thanks to Rape Response Services for hosting!

“Trafficking doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It happens because people are targeted for having unmet needs, and it keeps happening because we’re not addressing the root causes." - Carlie Fischer, MECASA Systems Advocacy Coordinator

No matter who you are or what happened to you, Maine’s sexual assault advocates are here to listen.  You don’t have to be in crisis to call.  Support starts with a call.  📞 1-800-871-7741 — free, confidential, and here for you.   #MaineHelpline #YouDeserveSupport #JustBreathe

We know how healing it is to be listened to without judgment. We know how important it is to have someone believe us when we tell our story. We know that getting support when we need it is life-changing.  Advocates are here every day to listen, believe, and support your healing.  1-800-871-7741

Survivors often feel isolated after an experience of sexual violence – like no one else understands or cares. But support is available – and while those feelings are a natural response to a terrible event, know that you are NOT alone.  The Helpline is here - always. 1-800-871-7741

Sexual assault support centers provide services in every corner of Maine – wherever you are, advocates are ready to listen, believe, and provide support! You can call anytime - the Helpline is here for you too!  Free, confidential, 24/7 advocacy services – 1-800-871-7741

We cannot be free without having control over what happens to our bodies – and sexual violence is a violation of that autonomy. It’s up to all of us to work towards a culture of respect for every single person – and to create communities that protect that autonomy.

Survivors come from every circumstance & healing might look different for everyone – but advocates are here for every person who reaches out. The Helpline is free, confidential, and for anyone impacted by sexual violence. No judgment. Just support. 1-800-871-7741 #SupportSurvivors #YouAreNotAlone

Lovely celebration of our fierce & fearless leader, Elizabeth! BIG b'day & for 25 years, she's been making good policy, supporting survivors, & changing cultures as MECASA's director. Celebrate with her & sustain our work! Double your donation during our matching campaign! www.mecasa.kindful.com

Our community came out in force Tuesday to demand a fix to the VOCA gap! Grateful for our partners and every advocate there. We are humbled by the speakers who spoke from their hearts and their experience - especially those survivors who showed how vital these services are for those that need them.

Join MECASA, the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence, Pine Tree Legal Assistance, Legal Services for Maine Elders, Immigrant Resource Center of Maine, legislators, advocates, survivors, & allies on January 14th at 11:30 AM at the State House in support of funding for victims services in Maine!

Maine’s 24 hour sexual assault Helpline is here when you need to talk: 1-800-871-7741. Even if it was a long time ago. Even if you aren’t sure what happened. Even if it happened to a friend. Have other questions about our services? Find more answers here: www.mecasa.org/answers-to-y...