BRUNSWICK
Sexual Assault Support Services of Midcoast Maine has been helping victims of sexual assault for more than 30 years. Now, they’re looking for some help themselves, as the nonprofit is seeking volunteers for their helpline.
SASSMM Community Outreach Educator Molly Donlan said the organization helps anyone affected by sexual violence, including survivors as well as family members, significant others, friends and partners of those directly affected.
“We also work with anyone outside of those two realms that have been affected by maybe something they’ve heard or something they’ve seen in the news or something like that, that has to do with sexual violence,” Donlan said.
Covering Brunswick and Harpswell, as well as Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Knox and Waldo counties, SASSMM staffs a 24-hour helpline that receives about 100 calls a month. It’s these vital positions SASSMM is looking to fill.
“We provide extensive training — over 40 hours of training and the training is free,” Donlan said. “We also offer a per diem stipend for our volunteers that go on the support line.”
Stipend amounts go up for time spent on support line calls and hospital or police accompaniment calls.
Volunteers are given pagers and are responsible for at least two 12-hour shifts a month.
“Our volunteers are responsible for fielding calls and really listening and validating people’s experience and supporting them with whatever they need when they call us,” Donlan said.
Donlan said SASSMM also offers accompaniment to law enforcement and hospitals with survivors if that’s what they need.
More than anything, Donlan said volunteers look to the person calling their helpline as the expert in what they’re going through.
“A lot of times what we’re doing is just a lot of listening,” Donlan said, however, SASSMM may also accompany a survivor to the police or hospital.
Donlan said the need is great in the Midcoast.
“It’s hard to capture numberwise because sexual violence is the most underreported crime in America and a lot of times folks don’t tell about it or don’t seek support or wait a really long time before they call us,” Donlan said.
Experience in social services is desirable, and reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license are required. Donlan said the next training for volunteers will be this month.
If you or someone you know needs help from Sexual Assault Services of Midcoast Maine, call their helpline at 1-800-822-5999.
dmcintire@timesrecord.com
Need help?
• COVERING BRUNSWICK and Harpswell, as well as Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Knox and Waldo counties, SASSMM staffs a 24- hour helpline that receives about 100 calls a month.
• IF YOU OR SOMEONE you know needs help from Sexual Assault Services of Midcoast Maine, call their helpline at 1-800-822- 5999.