Penobscot County awards ARPA funds to support survivors of sexual assault

BANGOR – Rape Response Services, a Penquis subsidiary, recently received an American Rescue Plan Act grant for $5,000 from Penobscot County. The funds will be used to support immediate health and safety needs of survivors of sexual assault.

Rape Response Services is the sexual assault services provider for Penobscot and Piscataquis counties. It is the only agency in the two-county region that provides support for anyone affected by sexual violence, including rape, child sexual abuse, and sexual harassment. Services include a 24-hour crisis and support line, accompaniment to medical and legal appointments, support groups, and follow-up services. In 2024 Rape Response Services supported 461 clients, 73 percent of whom were from Penobscot County.

The ARPA funding will support the direct, immediate needs of 60 to 70 survivors in Penobscot County. “Supporting these immediate needs, such as clothing, food, and shelter, are critical to survivors’ health and safety,” said Tamar Mathieu, executive director of Rape Response Services.

Mathieu explained that the needs of survivors can vary. Survivors of sexual assault often need a change of clothing at the hospital after leaving their own as evidence. Assistance with transportation may be needed to go to a hospital or medical provider, to return home from the hospital, to go to court, or to meet with a victim advocate. A hotel room may be needed if a survivor’s place of residence is no longer safe or they need a night to establish a safety plan before returning home. A phone or phone card can help survivors maintain contact with law enforcement, service providers, employers, family, and friends.

“Our ability to respond to a survivor’s needs is absolutely essential to their healing and overall well-being. We are so thankful to Penobscot County for their support of survivors in our community,” said Mathieu.

For more information on Rape Response Services, please call 207-974-2436.