A New Spin on Preventing Sexual Assault

There is a new way to talk about sexual violence in Maine.

Every April, Downeast Sexual Assault Services recognizes Sexual Assault Awareness Month. However, this year the statewide focus has shifted toward talking about healthy relationships and healthy sexuality.

Prevention of sexual violence – and in fact, all violent crimes – boils down to basic respect for others and for those with whom we have relationships throughout life. From asking your boss for permission to take the day off to asking to pat someone’s dog to holding hands to having sex – it’s all is about respect and consent.

To celebrate Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Downeast Sexual Assault Services is planning the following events:

Sexual Assault Services Recognizes Stalking Awareness Month

Stalking is about to get a lot of attention in Maine. Downeast Health’s Sexual Assault Services is promoting awareness about stalking in January, which is National Stalking Awareness Month. National Stalking Awareness Month is a time to focus on a crime that significantly impacts at least 1 in 10 Mainers.^[1]

A Maine-based 2011 crime victimization study found that stalking has one of the highest victimization rates of crimes in Maine.^[2] Additionally, not only are stalking victims more likely to be the victims of other crimes, but reporting to law enforcement has dropped significantly in the last five years despite an increase in incidents.^[3]

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