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. 
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. 
Online Educational Art Support Group with MTN & SARSSM 
Intake form:
https://forms.gle/CKHC9sL5crYrCUTx8

We are excited to announce our upcoming online educational art support group for trans survivors of sexual assault, that will be co-facilitated by SARSSM and MaineTransNet!  This closed group will take place every Tuesday from 3:00-4:30pm from October 13th to November 17th.  If interested, click here to sign up for a brief intake meeting.  We are hoping to cap the group at 8-10 members. For any further questions, please contact MaineTransNet's Sexual Assault Program Coordinator (SAPC), Maya Williams at maya@mainetransnet.org.

Upcoming Groups

"Due to COVID-19, SARSSM has temporarily paused our in-person support groups.  However, we are currently coordinating various online video-based support groups for survivors of sexual violence.  In addition to prioritizing the health and wellness of survivors and our staff, we hope that this online format can offer a new, more accessible way for survivors to engage with our support groups!  If you have questions or are interested in signing up for a group, please fill out our support group contact form to the right, and an advocate will be in touch within the next couple weeks.
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 or provision of its services.
Please Note: Beginning on January 11th, 2021, the statewide text/chat service will be unavailable, while undergoing maintnance. Please check back here for updates on those services.  Our free, private, 24-hour sexual assault crisis and support helpline continues to be available at 1-800-871-7741.

SARSSM provides free services in York and Cumberland Counties.