Support Groups

​We offer peer support groups for survivors and concerned others. Support groups provide a safe place for people impacted by sexual violence to learn and heal together. Through the discussion of sexual trauma, shared or individual experiences, and local resources, these groups aim to increase connection and support for survivors, caregivers, partners, and concerned others. Our free groups are held periodically through out the year for 8-12 weeks. See below for groups we have historically offered.

Adult survivors of sexual violence

Over the years, SARSSM has partnered with outside providers such as the MaineTransNet and local therapists to provide support groups for folks. Some groups have been for:

• Male survivors
• Female survivors
• Trans Survivors
• Non-binary and gender non-conforming survivors

Experiential support group

• Trauma Sensitive Yoga: SARSSM has offered several yoga classes for survivors of sexual violence in the past. SARSSM works with trained yoga instructors with trauma informed practices to offer free classes to survivors. ​

Campus support group

SARSSM has offered a campus support group for survivors attending higher education in the state of Maine.

incarcerated support groups

For years SARSSM has teamed up with local domestic violence agencies to offer drop in support groups for folks who are incarcerated in the local jails and prisons. Only individuals who are incarcerated can attend these groups. 

Upcoming Groups

EMPOWERMENT SELF DEFENSE
SARSSM is sponsoring an empowerment self defense class with Prevention. Action. Change. 

Empower Self Defense(ESD) increases awareness of the social context of violence experienced by women, children, the LGBTQ community, people of color, those with disabilities, and other groups, promoting both bystander intervention and community action for social change. ESD is trauma-informed and committed to ending victim-blaming and supporting healing for survivors of violence.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER AND TO GET MORE INFO!

Supports groups start when we have gathered enough interested folks. We are currently looking for interest for our male identified support group! Send us a request form to get started!

Please reach out via the contact form to the right of this page, if you are interested in a particular group or have questions/concerns. *If there are no current groups open, then it may take a few weeks to hear back from someone. If you need immediate support, please contact us via our 24/7 helpline at 1-800-871-7741. 

*Please note that due to SARSSM's COVID-19 Response Plan, we may have to postpone any support groups we were planning on starting in the Spring. Please reach out and we will let you know what our plans are. 

Thank you!