iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault @mecasa.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

The Helpline is for everyone affected by sexual violence: survivors, loved ones, anyone with questions. Advocates are here to help you think it through. 1-800-871-7741. Free. 24/7. Confidential.

Statewide Sexual assault helpline – 1-800-871-7741. Free. 24/7. Confidential. Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault. For support after experiencing sexual violence. For questions about how to support others. For clarity and connection, even months or years later. You don’t have to be in crisis to call.

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Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault @mecasa.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Only 5 days left! Support MECASA's work this summer & enter to win two tickets to the Indigo Girls at Thompson's Point in Portland. Every $20 = one entry. Donate by July 31st at tinyurl.com/GiveToMECASA ("Indigo Girls Raffle" in Campaign field). Tune in August 5th when we draw TWO winners live.

Just five more days to win two tickets to the Indigo Girls at Thompson's Point, August 25th. Every $20 donated to MECASA in July counts as one chance to win. Go to: tinyURL.com/GiveToMECASA. Tickets compliments of Bigos Law.

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Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault @mecasa.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

You don't have to be in crisis to call. People reach out for all kinds of reasons. Whatever brings you to pick up the phone, that's reason enough. 1-800-871-7741. Free. 24/7. Confidential.

A figure looks out into the distance, holding a phone. You don’t have to be in crisis to call. Statewide Sexual assault helpline – 1-800-871-7741. Free. 24/7. Confidential. Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault. Maybe it happened a long time ago. Maybe it happened to a friend. Maybe you are feeling better, but just want to talk. Maybe you are finally ready to talk about it. Whatever your “why now?” the Helpline is here.

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Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault @mecasa.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

There's no timeline for healing. Advocates on the Helpline are here to meet you where you are, for as long as you need. 1-800-871-7741. Free. 24/7. Confidential.

A figure with arms thrown back among yellow flowears. Healing Takes Time. Advocates are there to walk beside you. Statewide Sexual assault helpline – 1-800-871-7741. Free. 24/7. Confidential. Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault.

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Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault @mecasa.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

There's no wrong time to reach out. Whether it happened last night or years ago, advocates are here to listen, on your terms. 1-800-871-7741. Free. 24/7. Confidential.

A woman walks with her head down, looking at her phone. Wherever You Are, Support is Available. Call anytime, night or day. Call right away, or years later. Advocates are here, whatever you are looking for. Statewide Sexual assault helpline – 1-800-871-7741. Free. 24/7. Confidential. Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault.

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Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault @mecasa.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

This month, you can support MECASA’s work and have a chance to see Amy and Emily live at Thompson's Point in Portland on August 25th. Go to www.tinyurl.com/GiveToMECASA & choose “Indigo Girls Raffle” in the “Campaign” field. Each multiple of $20 donated is an entry into the drawing. Donate by 7/31.

Win two tickets to the Indigo Girls at Thompson's Point on August 25th. Every $20 donated to MECASA in July counts as one chance to win. Two winners will be drawn for two tickets each. www.tinyurl.com/GiveToMECASA. In the campaign box, choose Indigo Girls Raffle. Each multiple of $20 is one ticket. Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault. Tickets compliments of Bigos Law.

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Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault @mecasa.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

Big summer news: next week we're kicking off a month-long raffle with two pairs of Indigo Girls concert tickets as the prizes. This campaign goes live on July 1st - you won't want to miss this one! $20 gets you one entry – and for each multiple of $20 you donate, you’ll get another chance to win!

Live next week win two tickets to the Indigo Girls at Thompson’s Point on August 25th. Every $20 donated to MECASA in July counts as one chance to win. Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault, a summer raffle fundraiser. With many thanks for the donation of the tickets to Bigos Law.

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Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault @mecasa.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

The Helpline is here for everyone. Survivors of all identities, ages, and backgrounds. Friends, family, and supporters, too. Free, confidential support is available 24/7. Call 1-800-871-7741. You don't have to go through it alone.

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Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault @mecasa.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

WEAAD may be over, but the work continues. Elder abuse including sexual abuse thrives in silence & isolation. You can change that: check in on older neighbors and family members, trust your instincts, & know that it's okay to ask for help. Get involved - elderabuseprevention.info #WEAAD #ElderAbuse

An older white woman wearing a bright red sweater and silk scarf smiles, with the words “advocacy begins with awareness and continues through action. By supporting older adults, we help build safer, more informed communities for everyone.” ElderAbusePrevention.info and the logos of the Maine Council for Elder Abuse prevention and the world elder abuse awareness day.

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Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault @mecasa.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

Juneteenth celebrates freedom while reminding us that justice and equality remain unfinished work. Ending sexual violence means confronting racism, honoring the dignity of every person, and building systems that serve all survivors with care, respect, and accountability.

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Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault @mecasa.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. One in ten older adults experience abuse, including sexual abuse, often at the hands of someone they know & trust. If you suspect an older adult is being harmed, reach out to Adult Protective Services. Together, we can make Maine safer for every older adult

An older couple, the woman leaning her head on the man’s shoulder, both smiling, with the words “every older adult has the right to live free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Speaking up can help protect that right.” ElderAbusePrevention.info and the logos of the Maine Council for Elder Abuse prevention and the world elder abuse awareness day.

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Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault @mecasa.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Elder abuse takes many forms including sexual abuse. Older adults deserve to live free from all forms of abuse, and that starts with all of us knowing the signs and speaking up. Learn more and get involved: elderabuseprevention.info #WEAAD #ElderAbuse

An older white man wearing a black winter hat and a tan coat smiles, with the words “abuse affecting older adults often goes unnoticed. Increasing awareness and recognizing warningsigns are important steps toward prevention and protection.” ElderAbusePrevention.info and the logos of the Maine Council for Elder Abuse prevention and the world elder abuse awareness day.

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Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault @mecasa.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

Behind-the-scenes at DC Advocacy Days! 📸 MECASA's Policy Director met with offices of Senators Collins & King and Rep. Pingree to discuss federal funding for sexual violence prevention and response. Grateful for Maine's delegation and NAESV's partnership! 💙

MECASA's Public Policy Director smiles from behind hexagonal sunglasses in a selfie with the United States Capitol dome in the background.

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Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault @mecasa.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

On National Children's Day, we celebrate every child and our shared responsibility to keep them safe. Prevention starts with teaching boundaries, being askable adults, and building communities where every child knows they matter. 1-800-871-7741

National Childrens Day. June 9. Preventing child abuse includes: teaching bodies and boundaries, being an askable adult, creating healthier communities. Crayon drawings of happy kids with the Children's Safety Partnership and the Maine Network of Children's Advocacy Centers logos.

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Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault @mecasa.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

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Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault @mecasa.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

Pride is a response of joy in standing against oppression! Queer communities, faced with being pushed back into the closet, responded with song,rainbows, & the biggest and loudest means of being visible they could – because they refused to be silenced and made small for daring to be who they were.

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Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault @mecasa.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

Sexual Assault Awareness Month has been bringing communities together for 25 years & Maine’s sexual assault support centers have been here for much longer. The legacy of our work is a movement celebrating the healing of survivors and holds the torch for those still walking the path.

A teal ribbon, Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2026, above a picture of water droplets making ripples, and the words, “What we do now is informed by what came before us, just as what we do next will follow from our work today. But it will continue to be led by and centered on survivors. Our legacy, our commitment. Statewide sexual assault helpline 1-800-871-7741. Free, 24/7, confidential.”

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Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault @mecasa.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

From technology-facilitated abuse to restorative practices, issues we are facing & solutions we work on feel different than 50 years ago. But our movement roots in the values we’ve held all along. Survivors are the experts on what they need, empathy is best practice, & systems can change with us.

A teal ribbon, Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2026, above a series of words lit by spotlights: “Safer communities. Consent for everyone. Ending rape culture. Healthy relationships. Respect and care. Looking towards tomorrow. Statewide sexual assault helpline 1-800-871-7741. Free, 24/7, confidential.”

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Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault @mecasa.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

Betsy Sweet is a legend - one of those giants on whose shoulders so many of us stand - it’s hard to imagine the State House without her. There are no words that could fill the debt we have to you. We can only pledge to continue walking the path you laid out with the integrity you have modeled.

Betsy Sweet stands smiling with the Maine State House rising behind her.

Elizabeth, Melissa, and Betsy stand in front of the Committee on Health and Human Services room doors with signs that read Support LD 566, We Love Advocates, and We Love Children's Advocacy Center Advocates.

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Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault @mecasa.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

Have you ever had a lightbulb moment that changed the way you think about an issue? What happens when we move from accepting things as they are to understanding that we have a responsibility to make things better? What choices do we make then? Advocates are here to help talk this stuff through!

A teal ribbon, Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2026, above a picture of a glowing lightbulb, next to the words “Preventing sexual violence needs all of us. From individuals to communities, what are we doing to respond to and prevent sexual violence? From awareness to action. We all play a part in prevention. Statewide sexual assault helpline 1-800-871-7741. Free, 24/7, confidential.”

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Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault @mecasa.bsky.social · 12/04/2026

Thank you, Governor Mills, for acknowledging the reason we stand in witness every April to the impact that sexual violence has on survivors, their loved ones, and all of us and our communities, as well as the reason that such violence continues to be such a persistent problem.

A proclamation from the Governor of Maine, Janet Mills: WHEREAS, sexual assault affects people of all races, genders, and economic backgrounds in every Maine community; and WHEREAS, more than 19,000 people in Maine will experience sexual violence this year, and one in five Mainers will be impacted in their lifetime; and WHEREAS, sexual violence has far-reaching public health and societal costs, with impacts on survivors, their loved ones and their communities, often resulting in mental health

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Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault @mecasa.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

Survivors are why we’re here. That means creating spaces where survivors can feel comfortable telling their stories & changing cultures to end stigma, and to end sexual violence itself. We’re here for you. No matter when or what happened. Call 1-800-871-7741 to talk to an advocate anytime.

A teal ribbon, Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2026, above a picture of a silhouette of a woman with flowing hair that turns into a flight of birds, next to the words “Healing. Safety. Justice. Joy. We’re here to support survivors, first and foremost. Whatever they need. Centering Survivors. Statewide sexual assault helpline 1-800-871-7741. Free, 24/7, confidential.”

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Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault @mecasa.bsky.social · 06/04/2026

A huge welcome to Mike Bigos! Mike joins the MECASA Board with many years of survivor-centered legal work representing victims of abuse. He is a pioneer in modern statute of limitations reform, giving many adult survivors of child sexual abuse access to justice they wouldn’t have had otherwise.

Over navy blue and teal, a picture of Mike Bigos smiling, with the words "New board member announcement. “Mike is the founder of Bigos Law Firm and an unwavering supporter of survivors, whose career has included winning cases against some of the largest institutions in the country and building Northern New England’s largest sex abuse survivors practice group.” Welcome Mike. We're so glad you're here!"

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Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault @mecasa.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

The history of our movement is one of survivors coming together – to support one another, tell their stories, and create a safer space to process their experiences. We are indebted to our foremothers in this movement, many of whom are still volunteering and donating to this cause.

A teal ribbon, Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2026, above pictures of meeting notes from an early Maine Coalition on Rape meeting, a Take Back the Night poster from 1991, and two newspaper articles, both from the late 1970s, next to words “The story of the anti-sexual violence movement in Maine started many decades ago - and we owe so much to those who came before us. The roots of our movement in Maine. Statewide sexual assault helpline 1-800-871-7741. Free, 24/7, confidential.”

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Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault @mecasa.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

Last week, MECASA staff hosted advocates from Rape Response Services, Sexual Assault Support Services of Midcoast Maine, and Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine for the annual Support Group Facilitation Training.

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Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault @mecasa.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

On Transgender Day of Visibility, we celebrate the beauty, humanity, & strength of our transgender and gender-expansive friends & family. But much work remains. When transgender people are targeted, allies must speak out. Communities are stronger when everyone is free to be fully themselves.

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Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault @mecasa.bsky.social · 30/03/2026

Sexual Assault Awareness Month celebrates 25 years this April! Our movement was built on the courage of people – many Black women – who dared to call attention to the issue of sexual violence. What will you do to support survivors, honor those who came before, & stand against assault and abuse?

A teal ribbon, Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2026, above pictures of Harriet Jacobs, Frances Thompson, Ida B. Wells, Maya Angelou, and Anita Hill, next to the words “From formerly enslaved women sharing their story, to intrepid journalists and poets, to advocates for justice, our movement has been shaped by those who refused to allow their power to be taken from them again. The roots of our movement. Statewide sexual assault helpline 1-800-871-7741. Free, 24/7, confidential.”

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Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault @mecasa.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

If you have experienced sexual violence, are worried about a friend or family, or have questions – sexual assault advocates can provide you support. Advocates provide free, trauma-informed services with professional interpreters so you can communicate effectively. Call 1-800-871-7741 anytime.

Speech bubbles with translations of the phrase “Talk about sexual violence, abuse, or harassment.” in French, Spanish, Somali, Portuguese, and Arabic, with the words “Interpretation is available for all sexual assault advocacy services. Statewide Helpline 1-800-871-7741. Free. 24/7. Confidential.”

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Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault @mecasa.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

Whatever language we speak, we all need support after sexual violence. Advocates talk through your options and make safety plans – alongside a trained interpreter, so you understand everything. Call 1-800-871-7741 and ask for an interpreter. Because you deserve to understand your options.

Speech bubbles with translations of the phrase “Make a plan for safety and healing.” in French, Spanish, Somali, Portuguese, and Arabic, with the words “Interpretation is available for all sexual assault advocacy services. Statewide Helpline 1-800-871-7741. Free. 24/7. Confidential.”

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Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault @mecasa.bsky.social · 14/03/2026

We are so thrilled to introduce you to our newest Board member – Heather Putnam! Heather spent the last 23 years working to support victims at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine and now at MaineHealth.

A picture of a smiling woman with short silver hair in front of a green hedge dappled with sunlight, next to the words, New board member announcement. Heather Putnam. Heather has supported survivors across two decades at the Department of Justice and now running the Workplace Violence Prevention Program at MaineHealth, and brings a deep understanding and commitment to MECASA’s Board. Welcome Heather, we’re so glad you’re here.

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Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault @mecasa.bsky.social · 08/03/2026

The history of our movement was started by and continues to be led by women! At MECASA, we know how much we owe to those who came before us. Learn more about the roots of the anti-sexual violence movement here: www.endsexualassault.org/history-of…

Over teal and navy bars, the words “Women lead the way. Women’s history month. The anti-sexual violence movement was built by and sustained by women – particularly Black and LGBTQ+ women. We honor their work this month and every month!” and pictures of Ida B. Wells, Betty Friedan, Rosa Parks, Sylvia Rivera, Anita Hill, and Mary Wollstonecraft.

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Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault @mecasa.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

At MECASA, we want to make sure that every survivor can get the support they need – no matter what languages they speak. Free and confidential interpretation services are available when you call the Helpline. Call the Helpline when you need to – 1-800-871-7741.

Speech bubbles with translations of the phrase “We can support you.” in French, Spanish, Somali, Portuguese, and Arabic, with the words “Interpretation is available for all sexual assault advocacy services. Statewide Helpline 1-800-871-7741. Free. 24/7. Confidential.”

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Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault @mecasa.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

Our talented & wonderful friends at SAPARS are looking for the right someone to lead their organization into the future! This is an opportunity to help guide an organization grounded in dignity, prevention, and hope — and to nurture both the work & the people doing it. Learn more at bit.ly/4cd2XsW

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Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault @mecasa.bsky.social · 18/02/2026

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Young people deserve relationships rooted in respect, safety, and care. - whether it’s a friendship, relationship, or something in between. Support is here for young people and the adults who care about them. Call the Helpline: 1-800-871-7741

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Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault @mecasa.bsky.social · 11/02/2026

As part of our work to help build a restorative practices pilot here in Maine, our RP Pilot team met last week to continue to collectively create a vision for what a survivor-led and trauma-informed restorative practice can look like after experiences of sexual harm.

Arrayed around a colorful cloth with items arranged – Buddhist Tingsha bells, smooth river stones, a wooden carving of a tree, a dried oak leaf – are cards with words written on them: safety, equity, responsibility, healing, and choice.

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Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault @mecasa.bsky.social · 09/02/2026

Making sure we are centering the needs and wishes of our partners means listening, respecting boundaries, and never assuming. Everyone deserves to feel safe and in control of their own body. If you have questions about consent or need support - call the statewide Helpline: 1-800-871-7741 anytime.

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Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault @mecasa.bsky.social · 05/02/2026

MECASA is looking for an Advocacy Coordinator! This role will focus on supporting member centers’ work, with a focus on the statewide Helpline, SAFE/SANE systems, and systems-based advocacy. A position description can be found on our website at www.mecasa.org/job-openings.html

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Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault @mecasa.bsky.social · 01/02/2026

Healthy love is built on respect & trust. It means feeling safe to be yourself & knowing your voice matters. If something doesn’t feel right, or if you just want to talk, reach out. Sexual Assault Helpline: 1-800-871-7741 – free, confidential, and there whenever you need to call.

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Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault @mecasa.bsky.social · 28/01/2026

CSEC isn’t something that only happens “away.” It happens in Maine cities, towns, & rural communities. Because it often happens quietly, it can be easy to miss. That’s why ensuring every young person has trusted adults in their life is vital. Learn more at Maine STEN: www.mainesten.org

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Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault @mecasa.bsky.social · 19/01/2026

Preventing CSEC is a community effort. We can all play a role by staying connected, asking questions, believing kids, and supporting systems that meet young people’s needs — before harm happens. Prevention starts with us. CSEC is preventable — when communities show up.

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Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault @mecasa.bsky.social · 16/01/2026

January is National Stalking Awareness Month. Ask about co-occurring victimizations! Stalking, sexual violence, and intimate partner violence frequently intersect and overlap. To learn more about the intersection of sexual violence and stalking, watch this video: youtu.be/EVuvlpsYhuI

A National Stalking Awareness Month graphic that has three arrows of different colors pointing towards an exclamation point - a teal arrow for sexual violence, a purple arrow for intimate partner violence, and a yellow arrow for stalking, with the words 1 in 3 women stalked by an intimate partner were also sexually assaulted by that partner.

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Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault @mecasa.bsky.social · 14/01/2026

CSEC usually doesn’t involve strangers or kidnapping. Most youth in Maine who experience CSEC are harmed by someone they already know: a friend, family member, or adult in their community. It's so important to learn the signs & connect to the kids in our life. #SupportSurvivors #EndExploitation

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Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault @mecasa.bsky.social · 12/01/2026

It's National Stalking Awareness Month. In culture, stalkers are often shown as obsessed fans or mysterious secret admirers. In reality, most stalkers are people the victim knows – most often intimate partners & acquaintances. Learn more here: www.stalkingawareness.org/elearning…

An infographic with the title Most stalkers know their victims, most victims know their stalkers, along with a bar graph showing that the most common connection between a victim and their stalker is as acquaintances, at 42%, followed by intimate partners at 40%, then strangers at 19%, then brief encounters, family members, and authority figures at much smaller percentages.

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Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault @mecasa.bsky.social · 09/01/2026

LD 524 passed Judiciary 12-0! AI-generated content makes prosecuting child sex abuse material nearly impossible—this bill fixes that. Huge thanks to Rep. Kuhn, Judiciary Committee, AG’s Office, Maine Prosecutors Assoc., and MSP Computer Crimes Unit for their hard work.

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Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault @mecasa.bsky.social · 08/01/2026

CSEC often begins when a young person is struggling to meet basic needs — like housing, food, safety, or connection. That’s exploitation; and it’s never the young person’s fault. Prevention starts by meeting needs and making sure kids aren’t facing hardship alone. #PreventionStartsWithUs #CSEC

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Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault @mecasa.bsky.social · 03/01/2026

CSEC stands for Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children. That’s long, but it means something simple: A child is being exploited sexually in exchange for something: money, a place to stay, food, drugs, or safety. CSEC is abuse. It’s preventable when communities show up early and with care.

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Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault @mecasa.bsky.social · 29/12/2025

Listening matters. Believing matters. When survivors are met with trust instead of doubt, healing is easier - and communities are stronger. We believe survivors, every time. The Maine Sexual Assault Helpline is available 24/7: 1-800-871-7741

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Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault @mecasa.bsky.social · 28/12/2025

Advocacy doesn’t stop with individual support — it extends into communities. In 2025, advocates reached thousands of people through outreach, prevention efforts, and training, and worked with systems partners to improve responses across Maine. This is how change happens: through relationships.

Waves of teal and blue with words “Advocates strengthened their communities. In 2025. 1,720 outreach events reaching thousands of community members. Collaborating with systems partners &allied organizations to reach all corners of our state. Advocates were there, providing trauma-informed expertise to strengthen every community’s response to sexual violence and the understanding needed to prevent that violence. Statewide sexual assault helpline 1-800-871-7741, free, 24/7, confidential.”

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Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault @mecasa.bsky.social · 26/12/2025

No survivor should have to navigate complicated systems alone. This year, advocates provided 1,507 accompaniments in hospitals, courtrooms, and other spaces to offer support, information, & a steady presence. If you need support, the Maine Sexual Assault Helpline is here anytime: 1-800-871-7741

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Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault @mecasa.bsky.social · 25/12/2025

Ending sexual violence takes time, care, and commitment. It takes people like you, willing to invest in a future without violence. An end-of-year gift to MECASA is a statement that survivors matter, and that this work matters. We hope you’ll consider making a gift: mecasa.org/donate

Support for survivors starts with sustainable funding. From advocating for federal and state investment to cultivating community commitment, every dollar matters. Give today at mecasa.org/donate

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