Rape/Sexual Assault Resources

Sexual Assault is sex or sexual contact which occurs without your consent (Scroll down to read more about consent) or is forced upon you by another person or persons.

Resources

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, you can report it to campus security, your RA or RD, the counseling center, Student Health Services, the police, the emergency room or you can call the Rape Response Services hotline (1-800-310-0000).

Rape Response Services - Bangor - 1-800-310-0000

Website offers information and resources for the area on sexual assault

Explains various scenarios, protection orders, rape kits, etc. 

http://www.rrsonline.org/

Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault

Statewide hotline for reporting sexual assault - 1-800-871-7741

Website offers information and resources statewide on sexual assault

http://www.mecasa.org/

Maine Statutes regarding Sexual Assaults

Definitions of sexual assaults, class of crime, etc. 

http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/17-a/title17-ach11sec0.html

If You Have Experienced Sexual Violence or Someone Close to You Has Been Assaulted

Below information was taken directly from  the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault (http://www.mecasa.org)

• Immediately following a sexual assault, take whatever steps you can to ensure your safety. You may want to call the statewide sexual assault crisis and support line: 1-800-871-7741 or TTY 1-888-458-5599. This number will connect you with the sexual assault support center nearest you where an advocate is available to listen to you and offer support and information to help you decide what to do next.

• If you can, call someone you trust, like a good friend or family member.

• If you have not already done so, do not wash, bathe, douche, go to the bathroom, change your clothes, smoke, or eat or drink anything. Evidence can be collected from your body, which you may be able to use in court if you decide to report the crime to police.

• We recommend seeking medical attention for injuries and possible STIs and prevention of pregnancy, as soon as possible. A sexual assault advocate from the sexual assault support center will be available to accompany you to the Emergency Department.

• You can receive healthcare services and have evidence collected at the Emergency Department without being required to report to police. Evidence can be collected at no cost to you. Once you have your medical exam and the evidence has been collected, your information will be kept for a minimum of 90 days while you decide if you want to report the crime to the police.

• Consider reporting the crime to the police.

• Do not blame yourself.

• Sexual assault is never the victim’s fault.

What you may experience after a sexual assault

Though every person is different,  there are still some common reactions that you may experience after a trauma such as sexual assault/rape. 

• An increased sense of awareness or hyper-vigilance. You may feel more aware of people around you. You may notice more things out of the corner of your eye. 

• Increased startle response - You may feel more sensitive to noises or someone bumping into you.

• Flashbacks - You may experience vivid memories of the event while you are awake.  They can be triggered by smells, sounds, visual stimulus such as certain colors or certain kinds of clothes.  

• Dissociation- This is a feeling of being disconnected.  It may look and feel like day dreaming, being in haze, zoning out.  It could also feel more like you are watching yourself from far away.  Like you're not really present in your body. 

• Bad dreams/nightmares - You may have either dreams about the specific events or dreams that are more violent or scary in nature. 

• Increased need to be around others - You may feel like you want people or someone around you all the time.  You may feel like you're scared more often than not.

• Increased need to be alone - Some people feel like they would rather not be around others.  They feel safer by themselves.

• Shame - Feeling like  you can't talk to anyone about this because you're ashamed or embarrassed.

• Guilt - You may feel like you did something to cause the event, or guilty because of the reaction that you had was not what you believed what you would do if this ever happened.

• Anger - You may feel angry at yourself, at the person who assaulted you, or even angry at others.  You may find that you get annoyed more easily than what is typical. 

• Sadness - You may experience prolonged moments of feeling sad, being more tearful and feeling less social. 

It is possible that you may experience, all, some, or even none of the above.  You may notice different experiences at different times.  In general the above descriptions are normal reactions to a traumatic event.  You can expect them to last for several weeks or a bit longer. You will have good days and bad days. Be patient with yourself.  If it feels like any of these reactions are interfering with your life, or seem to be lingering on more than you would expect, it may be time to seek out some professional help and obtain some more support. 

How do I support a friend who has experienced a sexual assault/rape?

The best and most important thing you can do for a friend is be there, be present.  Be willing to listen, sit in silence, help distract, be a shoulder to cry on, just be the friend you've always been.  Let them know that you're there and then follow it up by being there.  Sometimes people feel awkward and they don't know what to say.  When there are no words, simply being present, speaks volumes.  

It's also important to remember that when you care about someone who has experienced a traumatic event, you may also experience some of the same feelings as they do, anger, guilt, shame...This is normal.  It's important for you to work through your feelings as well.  If you notice that  the feelings and thoughts are interfering with your life, seek out help.