SEXUAL ASSAULT RESPONSE SERVICES OF SOUTHERN MAINE
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Mission and History

Our Mission

Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine provides free services in York and Cumberland counties to anyone affected by sexual harassment, sexual abuse, or sexual assault, through prevention programs, support, education, and advocacy.

Our History

Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine (SARSSM) - formerly Rape Crisis Center, Inc. - was founded in 1973, through grassroots organizing by survivors who identified a gap in services and support in Cumberland County. Beginning as a membership organization, Rape Crisis Center, Inc. offered a network of support, advocacy, and referrals, and community education. Through donations of office space, administrative support, creation of a volunteer program, and adding a 24-hour helpline, the Center continued to grow capacity.  In 1995, Rape Crisis Center, Inc. changed it's name to Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine (SARSSM) to more accurately reflect the scope of the organization's work, and SARSSM received funding to expand services into York County.  We were incorporated as a 501(c)(3) in 1976.  

Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine now provides comprehensive services in York and Cumberland Counties to anyone affected by sexual harassment, sexual abuse, or sexual assault through four programs - Helpline and Outreach Services, a Sexual Assault Response Team (SART), Children's Advocacy Centers and our youth-based Prevention Education Program. We continue to grow our services, and which are funded by state and federal dollars, private grants, fundraising efforts, and generous donations from our community.  Our team has grown to include approximately 20 staff,  12 Board Members,  and a dedicated group of trained volunteers.

SARSSM is a member of the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MECASA), which provides funding, lobbying, technical assistance and support for seven sexual assault member centers across Maine.  

Get Support:

Sexual Assault Crisis and Support Helpline

For support, please call our free, private, 24-hour crisis and support helpline at 1-800-871-7741.

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​Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine is funded in part by Maine's Department of Health and Human Services, the United Way of York County, and generous public and private donations. 

In accordance with Federal regulations, Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine does not discriminate in the access to our provision of its services.


SARSSM provides free services in York and Cumberland Counties.
Photo used under Creative Commons from Me in ME
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • Our Mission & History
    • Meet Our Staff
    • Board of Directors
    • Contact Us
  • GET INVOLVED
    • Job Opportunities
    • Volunteer Opportunities
  • HOW WE HELP
    • Get Help Now
    • Help for Children
    • Advocacy & Support
    • Your Questions
    • Support Groups
  • RESOURCES
    • Search By Topic
    • Community-Specific
    • For Parents & Families
    • Other Maine Centers
  • EDUCATION
    • In Schools
    • In Our Community
  • DONATE