WHAT TO DO  •  SELF-HELP GROUPS  •  THE FACTS  •  ENDING SEXUAL ABUSE

CONTACT WITHOUT CONSENT

"When it comes to sex, no one
has the right to force you to do
anything against your will"

What to do if you are sexually assaulted...

• Call our 24 hour, 7 day a week Crisis Helpline. We are prepared to help in any way we can. There is someone to talk to, someone who understands what has happened and who can help. Most of all, we offer non-judgmental, confidential support.

• If you are going to report a sexual assault to the police, it is important that essential evidence is saved. So, although your first instinct will be to wash; do not change your clothes, bathe, shower or douche, DON'T. We will go with you to the hospital, police department and the court.

• If you make the decision not to report a sexual assault, we can offer support, information and referral.

• Sometimes people come to realize, years after the incident took place, that they were sexually assaulted. If this happens to you, we will still be here, if you want to talk. Time does not lessen the importance of what happened and your feelings about it.

Our services are available to families, partners, and friends - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

"I thought that my daughter was the only one who this had happened to. I know that an assault does not have to ruin our lives and that we can learn from this experience and be able to go forward and be made stronger, freer, and safer." MOTHER OF A SURVIVOR

Self-Help Groups...

At some point, you may want to share your experience, and to talk to others. We offer support groups, where you will receive support, education, and problem solving with others whose experience is similar to your own.

"There is hardly a day goes by that I don't think of the incest group I joined at Downeast, and how they helped me through the hardest time in my life. I'll always be so grateful." A SURVIVOR

Facts about Sexual Assault...

• 1 of every 4 women is sexually assaulted at some point in her life.

• 1 man in 6 is sexually assaulted in his lifetime.

• Sexual assault is a violent act, about power and control, not sex.  

• Sexual assault occurs 24 hours a day. 84% of victims know their assailant.

• Sexual assault is a societal problem that potentially affects all people. It is a problem of epidemic proportions with life long consequences.

Ending Sexual Assault...

• Speak out about myths about rape. No one asks to be raped. Rape can happen to anyone, regardless of age, physical or mental abilities, physical appearance, class, character, sexual orientation, or place of residence.

• Become a sexual assault advocate - join a network striving to end violence against women, men and children.

• Make a donation to Downeast Sexual Assault Services.

• Invite one of our advocates to address your group. Education and awareness can decrease the incidence of assault.

• If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, call Downeast Sexual Assault Services Helpline, any time, at 1-800-228-2470 desas@downeasthealth.org.