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Call 1-800-871-7741 to talk to someone who can help. Free, private support is available 24/7. Beginning Jan 11, 2021, the statewide text/chat service will be undergoing maintenance and will not be available at this time. |
How can sexual assault support services help?
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Free, private support from a trained sexual assault advocate
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A chance to talk about what happened, how you’re feeling, and what you need now
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Information & resources that can help you with next steps in healing and recovery
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Referrals for longer-term support where you live (mental health help, legal support, police, or healthcare)
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Do you have questions?
Read below to see if we can answer them! If not, please contact us and we will answer your question as soon as we can. |
How does the text/chat work? What can I expect?
This works like other instant messaging services you maybe have seen. It has more safety & security features. You will enter a live private chat session with a trained advocate and begin sending messages to each other. The chat is completely anonymous. You can share what you would like. During your chat, the advocate will listen, support you, and help you find resources.
When you want to end the chat, click “End Chat.” The chat window will disappear, and your conversation will be deleted. No record of your conversation will be kept. You can also choose to click the “Quick Escape” button anytime during a chat. The button will end the chat and send you to the Google homepage.
Will you have to report if I tell you what happened?
We are what is called mandated reporters. That means we have to follow Maine state reporting laws. If we think you are under 18 and you tell us any information that makes us think you are being abused or neglected, we may have to share this with other adults to help keep you safe. But, we will never ask you for identifying information. You can share what you feel comfortable sharing.
When will the text/chat helpline be available?
Advocates will be on the text/chat helpline during weekdays Monday-Wednesday 10am-8pm and Thursday-Friday 12pm-8pm. Any changes to these hours will be posted on this page.
How much do text/chat services cost?
It costs as much as other texts you send and get. Other data costs may apply when you use chat services from your cell phone or tablet.
Will text/chat services appear on my phone bill?
It depends on your phone service provider. Someone reading your phone bill may be able to see that you have texted with us. Please consider this when thinking about your privacy and safety.
This works like other instant messaging services you maybe have seen. It has more safety & security features. You will enter a live private chat session with a trained advocate and begin sending messages to each other. The chat is completely anonymous. You can share what you would like. During your chat, the advocate will listen, support you, and help you find resources.
When you want to end the chat, click “End Chat.” The chat window will disappear, and your conversation will be deleted. No record of your conversation will be kept. You can also choose to click the “Quick Escape” button anytime during a chat. The button will end the chat and send you to the Google homepage.
Will you have to report if I tell you what happened?
We are what is called mandated reporters. That means we have to follow Maine state reporting laws. If we think you are under 18 and you tell us any information that makes us think you are being abused or neglected, we may have to share this with other adults to help keep you safe. But, we will never ask you for identifying information. You can share what you feel comfortable sharing.
When will the text/chat helpline be available?
Advocates will be on the text/chat helpline during weekdays Monday-Wednesday 10am-8pm and Thursday-Friday 12pm-8pm. Any changes to these hours will be posted on this page.
How much do text/chat services cost?
It costs as much as other texts you send and get. Other data costs may apply when you use chat services from your cell phone or tablet.
Will text/chat services appear on my phone bill?
It depends on your phone service provider. Someone reading your phone bill may be able to see that you have texted with us. Please consider this when thinking about your privacy and safety.
