Benefits of Our Program

There are many different sexual violence prevention programs and delivery models offered in Southern Maine. As you consider your options, we offer you these considerations:
  • We Are Trusted For Our Expertise:  SARSSM was founded in 1973. We have  served our communities as leaders and experts in sexual violence prevention initiatives in York and Cumberland Counties for decades.
  • Our Programs Are Data-Driven and Evidence-Based:  As members of the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault, our curricula have been vetted to ensure that they are in line with best practice, and are rooted in evidence-based approaches to sexual violence prevention on a state and national level.
  • We Stay Updated, Relevant and Innovative: Our Prevention and Education programs and curricula continuously grow and evolve based on community feedback and emerging needs of youth and youth-serving adults in Southern Maine. 
  • We Offer Wrap-Around Services:  In addition to our Prevention and Education Programs, we are the only organization in York and Cumberland Counties that provides a 24-hour sexual assault helpline, a sexual assault response team that offers ongoing support for those impacted by sexual violence, and a Children's Advocacy Center to respond to the needs of children and families following incidents of child sexual abuse. We are uniquely situated to respond to survivor needs and disclosures that often arise when doing prevention and education work. Kknow that we've got you covered!
  • We Develop Inclusive Programs:  We believe that all youth deserve access to high-quality, accessible and inclusive sexual violence prevention and education programs. We prioritize developing materials that reflect and speak to the identities and experiences of the diverse youth that we serve.
  • We Provide Stellar Technical Assistance: We are just an email or phone call away to  answer your questions and help guide you to most effectively use our tools and resources in your classrooms.
  • All of Our Services Are Free of Charge:  While we always appreciate honoraria to support and sustain our work, all programs can be accessed free of charge, which supports our goal of getting Prevention and Education into our most vulnerable communities.​
Sexual Assault Helpline:
For support, please call our free, private, 24-hour helpline at 1-800-871-7741.
In accordance with federal regulations, Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine does not discriminate in the access to our provision of its services. If you have any concerns or complaints, please send an email to info@sarssm.org.

SARSSM provides free services in York and Cumberland Counties.
​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.