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

SARSSM is currently looking into starting an online video support group for survivors of sexual violence! We are super excited to offer this type of support to those who have less access to in person groups, while also knowing that in person support is pretty much impossible for most right now. We are still working out a lot of the kinks, but if you are interested, please reach out via our online pre-screening form. An advocate will reach out to you in the next few weeks!

In General

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 or chat with us here (chat is only available m-f, 8 AM - 8 PM)

*Please note that due to SARSSM's COVID-19 Response Plan, we may have to postpone any in person 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!
Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine is funded in part by Maine's Department of Health and Human Services, the United Way of Greater Portland, the United Way of York County, and your 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.
For help, call or text us at 1-800-871-7741. Text help is available Monday-Friday, 8am-8pm. Phone help is available 24/7. You can also chat with us by clicking here.

SARSSM serves York and Cumberland Counties.