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.
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.
