AMHC marks sexual assault awareness month in April

4 years ago

CARIBOU, Maine — As part of the national 2020 “I Ask” Campaign, Aroostook Mental Health Services Inc. (AMHC) joins the National Sexual Violence Resource Center and Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MECASA) in empowering individuals to put consent into practice.

AMHC is pleased to highlight Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). This year’s theme, “I Ask for Consent,” builds on the idea that consent is a normal and necessary part of sex. The goal of the campaign is to empower all of us to put consent into practice. 

“We all have a role to play in the prevention of sexual assault,” saidMichelle Ferris, program director for emergency services in Aroostook, Washington and Hancock counties. 

“AMHC Sexual Assault Services has provided services to individuals who have been affected by sexual violence since 1984. We not only advocate for victims and offer support to survivors 24/7, we provide prevention education for all ages on sexual violence, sexual harassment, internet safety and personal body safety,” Ferris said.

AMHC Sexual Assault Services Advocates can be reached by calling the 24-hour Sexual Assault Helpline at 1-800-871-7741. Text and chat is also available Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. 

Calls, texts and chats are free and confidential. For more information, visit AMHC Sexual Assault Services at https://www.amhcsas.org/