MECASA Helps Survivors by...

MAKING SURE ADVOCATES ARE TRAINED & READY
Advocates have hard and specialized jobs. There are lots of things advocates need to know to support you. Last year almost all (over 90%) of sexual assault center advocates in Maine got extra training from MECASA on topics like facilitating support groups, serving human trafficking survivors, serving survivors with mental health needs, using language interpreters, and accessing emergency funding for survivors.

MANAGING EMERGENCY FUNDS TO MEET NEEDS
Healing from sexual violence can be expensive. When money was tight to begin with, big expenses like medical bills, mental health care, transportation, and rent can become unmanageable. Emergency funds are available for survivors of human trafficking, sex exploitation, and sexual assault. Dozens of needs are pre-approved and accessible quickly through advocates around the state. Last year, 47 people were helped through the funds and over $40,000 was distributed to meet survivors’ emergency needs.

ADVOCATING FOR CHANGES TO LAWS
Survivors are impacted by the systems around them – economic, educational, criminal and legal, and more. Those same systems can also make it more or less likely for sexual violence to happen in a certain community. MECASA works to change the policies and laws that shape those systems to benefit survivors and prevent people from getting hurt. Last year, MECASA influenced more than 20 legislative bills relating to sexual violence.

RESEARCHING BETTER WAYS TO SUPPORT SURVIVORS
Each survivors’ situation and needs are unique, and while advocates are experts in sexual violence, sometimes even they need help learning about a system or practice. MECASA provides advice and research for advocates to help them better support survivors. Last year MECASA provided this type of support to 67% of advocates in the state, helping them help you.

STOPPING THIS FROM HAPPENING AGAIN
While addressing the needs of people who have experienced sexual violence, we are also dedicated to making sure that no one experiences sexual harm in the first place. This task can feel overwhelming, but luckily research tells us that prevention is possible. MECASA supports prevention in lots of different ways – from helping people teach about consent in schools to changing policies related to health and safety. Nearly 20% of MECASA’s work focuses on prevention – a figure we hope will increase in the coming years. Preventing sexual violence happens through culture change and it takes the whole community working together to make a difference. Check out this resource to learn what you can do.

SHARING INFORMATION ABOUT SERVICES
Many people who experience sexual violence don’t know that there is free help available for them. Part of MECASA’s job is to spread the word about services. MECASA also works to change the conversation about sexual violence – from one of fear to one that empowers communities to prevent sexual violence and support survivors. Last year MECASA reached over 128,000 people through our websites and social media, and countless more through posters and interviews with reporters!