Maine Anti-Trafficking Efforts
For the past five years, there has been growing momentum in Maine around the issue of human trafficking. In early efforts, there was a push to raise awareness and provide basic training to service providers and law enforcement. Soon after, we saw the development of local anti-trafficking multidisciplinary teams and public policy changes at the statewide level. These teams provide the backbone for how Maine will likely manage anti-trafficking services now and in the years to come. There is increasingly a focus on supporting local anti-trafficking teams to provide a collaborative and comprehensive response to the needs of a human trafficking victim. As awareness of the issue increases, so does the need for safe, appropriate, victim-centered services.
For access to immediate services in Maine call the National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888.
Maine's Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence centers offer 24-hour support to survivors of sexual and domestic violence. Visit here to find out more about your local sexual assault support center or dial 1-800-871-7741 for immediate services. Visit here to find out more about your local domestic violence agency or dial 1-866-834-4357 for immediate services.
For access to immediate services in Maine call the National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888.
Maine's Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence centers offer 24-hour support to survivors of sexual and domestic violence. Visit here to find out more about your local sexual assault support center or dial 1-800-871-7741 for immediate services. Visit here to find out more about your local domestic violence agency or dial 1-866-834-4357 for immediate services.
Statewide Efforts
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Maine Sex Trafficking and Exploitation Network Provider Council
Contact: Carlie Fischer, Systems Advocacy Coordinator, MECASA The MaineSTEN Provider Council is made up of all service providers from the Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Workgroup, statewide agencies representing local service providers and the service provider chairs of all local anti-trafficking teams. They support MECASA staff in prioritizing anti-trafficking efforts, and advise in the development tools, trainings and resources for service providers supporting victims of human trafficking. 
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Human Trafficking Task Force
The Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Human Trafficking Task Force (HTTF) is a collaboration of municipal, county, state and federal law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies in the state of Maine, working in conjunction with social service organizations to identify, assist and protect the dignity and rights of the victims of human trafficking. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Child and Family Services Federal legislation has required a change in the child welfare response to minors in state care in an effort to identify and respond to the commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking of children. DHHS has new policies on screening and responding to suspicion of the commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) in place in 2015. In 2016, every child welfare district in the state will receive a day-long training on indicators of CSEC, the local MDT response and the new protocols. This training will also be open to members of local Children's Advocacy Centers and anti-trafficking MDTs. Maine Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers Contact: Jessica Andrus, Children's Advocacy Center Network Coordinator, MECASA The Maine Network of CACs, a program of MECASA, is developing protocols for responding to the commercial sexual exploitation of children and building the capacity to respond as part of official child welfare response. This includes local MDT responses based on national models. Not Here Justice In Action Network Contact: Jennifer Morin, Program Director Not Here Justice in Action Network (NHJAN) is a grassroots effort to facilitate collaboration with key members of society to address the threats of human trafficking and exploitation, child abuse, sexual violence and gender inequality. They are especially concerned about the impact on vulnerable children globally and domestically. |
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Local Teams
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Southern Maine Anti-Trafficking Response Team (SMART)
Chair: Preble Street Anti-Trafficking Services Formerly known as Greater Portland Coalition Against Sex Trafficking and Exploitation/York County Coalition Against Trafficking (GPCASTE/YCCAT) and established in 2011, SMART is a multidisciplinary effort which provides a victim-centered, coordinated community approach to preventing and responding to human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation in Maine. Lewiston/Auburn Human Trafficking Collaborative Tri-chairs: Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Services, Safe Voices, and Tricia Grant (Survivor Leader) This group has been meeting since 2014. |
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Penquis Sex Trafficking Action Response Team (START)
Co-chairs: Rape Response Services and Partners for Peace
START is a multidisciplinary team committed to ending sex trafficking and commercial exploitation and serving its victims throughout Piscataquis and Penobscot Counties, Maine. Their goal is to increase public awareness of the problem, build an effective response system, strengthen enforcement and prosecution of trafficking and sexual exploitation and ensure quality services for survivors.
Somerset/Kennebec Coalition Against Sex and Labor Trafficking and Exploitation (CASTLE)
Chair: Sexual Assault Crisis and Support Center
KenSom CASTLE is a multi-disciplinary team with the goal of recognizing, reducing, and responding to human trafficking by engaging the community through interagency cooperation and education.
Co-chairs: Rape Response Services and Partners for Peace
START is a multidisciplinary team committed to ending sex trafficking and commercial exploitation and serving its victims throughout Piscataquis and Penobscot Counties, Maine. Their goal is to increase public awareness of the problem, build an effective response system, strengthen enforcement and prosecution of trafficking and sexual exploitation and ensure quality services for survivors.
Somerset/Kennebec Coalition Against Sex and Labor Trafficking and Exploitation (CASTLE)
Chair: Sexual Assault Crisis and Support Center
KenSom CASTLE is a multi-disciplinary team with the goal of recognizing, reducing, and responding to human trafficking by engaging the community through interagency cooperation and education.
Trafficking-Specific Service Providers
CourageLIVES (formerly Hope Rising)
A program of Saint Andre Home
Saint Andre Home opened Maine’s first safe house and residential treatment program for survivors of human trafficking in May 2015. The program provides case management, mental health services, substance use treatment, and educational and vocational support on an outpatient, case-by-case basis.
Preble Street Anti-Trafficking Services
Contact: Hailey Virusso, Director of Anti-Trafficking Services
A program of Preble Street, Anti-Trafficking Services is a multi-agency collaborative which provides intensive case management, mental health and substance abuse counseling, and legal services to victims/survivors of labor and sex trafficking in York and Cumberland Counties. Their work includes developing protocols and housing resources for a multidisciplinary team.
Sophia’s House
Established in 2019, Sophia’s House provides two years of healing and housing for women who are survivors of prostitution, trafficking, prison, and addiction. The gender sensitive and trauma informed program includes wrap-around support services for therapy, addiction recovery, via Health Affiliates Maine and medical care and GED work through other local agencies.
Beacon House
Beacon House offers a structured sober living residence for females at all stages of recovery. Our 12 Step, solution-based environment offers many levels of support. Residents are encouraged to continue their spiritual growth by addressing issues that inhibit long-term recovery. Our primary goal is to help women discover a meaningful life free of substances and destructive behaviors.
Safe Voices Safe House
Safe Voices operates a 17-bed emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence and their children, and a six-bed emergency safe house for victims of sex trafficking and exploitation. Both locations are secure and confidential, located in Androscoggin County.
Domestic Violence Resource Centers:
Domestic Violence Resource Centers (DVRCs) are in every county in Maine and are available to support survivors of trafficking. Each DVRC provides services which include but are not limited to a 24/7 Helpline, emergency shelter, safety planning and emotional support, legal assistance and court accompaniment, long-term supportive housing, education and support groups, and resource referrals.
If you need help or would like more information, call the Statewide Domestic Abuse Helpline at 1-866-834-HELP
York - Caring Unlimited 1-800-239-7298
Cumberland County - Through These Doors 1-800-537-6066
Androscoggin, Oxford, and Franklin - Safe Voices 1-800-559-2927
Kennebec and Somerset - Family Violence Project 1-877-890-7788
Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Knox, and Waldo - New Hope Midcoast 1-800-522-3304
Penobscot and Piscataquis - Partners for Peace 1-800-863-9909
Washington and Hancock - Next Step DV Project 1-800-315-5579
Aroostook County - Hope & Justice Project 1-800-439-2323
Sexual Assault Support Centers:
Sexual Assault Support Centers (SASC) are in every county in Maine and are available to support survivors of trafficking. Each SASC provides services which include but are not limited to a 24/7 Helpline, safety planning and emotional support, court, education and support groups, resource referrals, and legal, hospital, and police report accompaniment.
If you need help or would like more information, call the Statewide Sexual Assault Helpline at 1-800-871-7741
York & Cumberland County – Sexual Assault Support Services of Southern Maine (SARSSM)
Oxford, Franklin, and Androscoggin County – Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Services (SAPARS)
Kennebec and Somerset – Sexual Assault Crisis & Support Center (SAC & SC)
Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Knox, and Waldo, and Eastern Cumberland County – Sexual Assault Support Services of Midcoast Maine (SASSMM)
Penobscot and Piscataquis – Rape Response Services (RRS)
Washington, Hancock, and Aroostook – Aroostook Mental Health Center (AMHC) Sexual Assault Services
Maine Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers
A Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) is a child-focused, facility-based program where people from law enforcement, child protection, prosecution, mental health, medical and victim advocacy, and child advocacy work together. They interview children who have disclosed sexual abuse. They also make team decisions about investigation, treatment, management, and prosecution of child sexual abuse cases. All Children’s Advocacy Centers are a program of local Sexual Assault Support Centers except for the Cumberland County CAC which is a program of Spurwink.
Aroostook County Children's Advocacy Center 207-472-6134
Children's Advocacy Center of Androscoggin, Franklin, and Oxford Counties
Androscoggin: 207-784-0463
Oxford: 207-739-1228
Franklin: 207-778-9777
Children's Advocacy Center of Kennebec & Somerset Counties 207-861-4491
Children's Advocacy Center of York County 207-459-2380
Cumberland County Children's Advocacy Center 207-879-6160
Midcoast Children's Advocacy Center 207-522-7162
Penquis Children's Advocacy Center 207-974-2469
Additional Resources:
Preble Street
Immigrant Resource Center of Maine – Immigrant Resource Center of Maine (IRCM) provides support and prevention services to survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking. Call (207) 753-0061 to find out more.
Trafficking Survivor Fund - The Maine Human Trafficking Survivor Fund is available to meet the immediate emotional, psychological, and physical health and safety needs of human trafficking victims and survivors. The fund is available to young people being trafficked. Funds may be used to help cover immediate expenses related to transportation, medical, housing, and other needs.
Wabanaki Women’s Coalition - The Wabanaki Women’s Coalition’s mission is to increase the capacity of tribal communities to respond to domestic and sexual violence, and influence tribal, national, and regional systems to increase awareness, safety, justice, and healing for all our relations.
Maine TransNet - MaineTransNet is a community-based organization led by transgender people for transgender people. We provide peer-to-peer support groups, social and community events, advocacy for the transgender community across Maine, and transgender cultural competency training for medical, mental health, and social service providers. We engage transgender people and our allies across Maine in the practice of community building and organizing for mutual liberation.
Shaw House - Shaw House, managed by Community Care, engages youth who are homeless, or at-risk of becoming homeless, in achieving stability and a viable plan for the future by providing a safe, stable environment, access to essential services, supportive adult connections, and to advocate for changes that address the needs of homeless youth.
New Beginnings - Each year New Beginnings provides hundreds of children, teens, and young adults with opportunities for the safety, connection, and growth that all people need to thrive. New Beginnings has served runaway and homeless youth and Maine families in crisis since 1980. Our complete continuum of services provides an essential “safety net” for young people in Maine who don’t have stable family support and are at risk of homelessness.
A program of Saint Andre Home
Saint Andre Home opened Maine’s first safe house and residential treatment program for survivors of human trafficking in May 2015. The program provides case management, mental health services, substance use treatment, and educational and vocational support on an outpatient, case-by-case basis.
Preble Street Anti-Trafficking Services
Contact: Hailey Virusso, Director of Anti-Trafficking Services
A program of Preble Street, Anti-Trafficking Services is a multi-agency collaborative which provides intensive case management, mental health and substance abuse counseling, and legal services to victims/survivors of labor and sex trafficking in York and Cumberland Counties. Their work includes developing protocols and housing resources for a multidisciplinary team.
Sophia’s House
Established in 2019, Sophia’s House provides two years of healing and housing for women who are survivors of prostitution, trafficking, prison, and addiction. The gender sensitive and trauma informed program includes wrap-around support services for therapy, addiction recovery, via Health Affiliates Maine and medical care and GED work through other local agencies.
Beacon House
Beacon House offers a structured sober living residence for females at all stages of recovery. Our 12 Step, solution-based environment offers many levels of support. Residents are encouraged to continue their spiritual growth by addressing issues that inhibit long-term recovery. Our primary goal is to help women discover a meaningful life free of substances and destructive behaviors.
Safe Voices Safe House
Safe Voices operates a 17-bed emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence and their children, and a six-bed emergency safe house for victims of sex trafficking and exploitation. Both locations are secure and confidential, located in Androscoggin County.
Domestic Violence Resource Centers:
Domestic Violence Resource Centers (DVRCs) are in every county in Maine and are available to support survivors of trafficking. Each DVRC provides services which include but are not limited to a 24/7 Helpline, emergency shelter, safety planning and emotional support, legal assistance and court accompaniment, long-term supportive housing, education and support groups, and resource referrals.
If you need help or would like more information, call the Statewide Domestic Abuse Helpline at 1-866-834-HELP
York - Caring Unlimited 1-800-239-7298
Cumberland County - Through These Doors 1-800-537-6066
Androscoggin, Oxford, and Franklin - Safe Voices 1-800-559-2927
Kennebec and Somerset - Family Violence Project 1-877-890-7788
Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Knox, and Waldo - New Hope Midcoast 1-800-522-3304
Penobscot and Piscataquis - Partners for Peace 1-800-863-9909
Washington and Hancock - Next Step DV Project 1-800-315-5579
Aroostook County - Hope & Justice Project 1-800-439-2323
Sexual Assault Support Centers:
Sexual Assault Support Centers (SASC) are in every county in Maine and are available to support survivors of trafficking. Each SASC provides services which include but are not limited to a 24/7 Helpline, safety planning and emotional support, court, education and support groups, resource referrals, and legal, hospital, and police report accompaniment.
If you need help or would like more information, call the Statewide Sexual Assault Helpline at 1-800-871-7741
York & Cumberland County – Sexual Assault Support Services of Southern Maine (SARSSM)
Oxford, Franklin, and Androscoggin County – Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Services (SAPARS)
Kennebec and Somerset – Sexual Assault Crisis & Support Center (SAC & SC)
Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Knox, and Waldo, and Eastern Cumberland County – Sexual Assault Support Services of Midcoast Maine (SASSMM)
Penobscot and Piscataquis – Rape Response Services (RRS)
Washington, Hancock, and Aroostook – Aroostook Mental Health Center (AMHC) Sexual Assault Services
Maine Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers
A Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) is a child-focused, facility-based program where people from law enforcement, child protection, prosecution, mental health, medical and victim advocacy, and child advocacy work together. They interview children who have disclosed sexual abuse. They also make team decisions about investigation, treatment, management, and prosecution of child sexual abuse cases. All Children’s Advocacy Centers are a program of local Sexual Assault Support Centers except for the Cumberland County CAC which is a program of Spurwink.
Aroostook County Children's Advocacy Center 207-472-6134
Children's Advocacy Center of Androscoggin, Franklin, and Oxford Counties
Androscoggin: 207-784-0463
Oxford: 207-739-1228
Franklin: 207-778-9777
Children's Advocacy Center of Kennebec & Somerset Counties 207-861-4491
Children's Advocacy Center of York County 207-459-2380
Cumberland County Children's Advocacy Center 207-879-6160
Midcoast Children's Advocacy Center 207-522-7162
Penquis Children's Advocacy Center 207-974-2469
Additional Resources:
Preble Street
- Anti-Trafficking Services - Preble Street Anti-Trafficking Services (ATS) paves the way forward to healing, growth, self-sufficiency, and a life free from coercion and exploitation.
- Florence House – Florence House provides safe, supported permanent housing to chronically homeless women in Portland, Maine.
- Preble Street Anti-Trafficking Services Rapid Re-Housing Program – Those experiencing homelessness or housing instability due to human trafficking OR domestic violence may qualify for Preble Street Anti-Trafficking Services Rapid Re-Housing Program (RRH). RRH provides short term rental assistance to clients moving into private market apartments.
- Preble Street Teen Services - Preble Street Teen Services meets the urgent needs of homeless and runaway youth — providing warmth and safety, nutritious meals, clothing, crisis intervention, and overnight shelter.
Immigrant Resource Center of Maine – Immigrant Resource Center of Maine (IRCM) provides support and prevention services to survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking. Call (207) 753-0061 to find out more.
Trafficking Survivor Fund - The Maine Human Trafficking Survivor Fund is available to meet the immediate emotional, psychological, and physical health and safety needs of human trafficking victims and survivors. The fund is available to young people being trafficked. Funds may be used to help cover immediate expenses related to transportation, medical, housing, and other needs.
Wabanaki Women’s Coalition - The Wabanaki Women’s Coalition’s mission is to increase the capacity of tribal communities to respond to domestic and sexual violence, and influence tribal, national, and regional systems to increase awareness, safety, justice, and healing for all our relations.
Maine TransNet - MaineTransNet is a community-based organization led by transgender people for transgender people. We provide peer-to-peer support groups, social and community events, advocacy for the transgender community across Maine, and transgender cultural competency training for medical, mental health, and social service providers. We engage transgender people and our allies across Maine in the practice of community building and organizing for mutual liberation.
Shaw House - Shaw House, managed by Community Care, engages youth who are homeless, or at-risk of becoming homeless, in achieving stability and a viable plan for the future by providing a safe, stable environment, access to essential services, supportive adult connections, and to advocate for changes that address the needs of homeless youth.
New Beginnings - Each year New Beginnings provides hundreds of children, teens, and young adults with opportunities for the safety, connection, and growth that all people need to thrive. New Beginnings has served runaway and homeless youth and Maine families in crisis since 1980. Our complete continuum of services provides an essential “safety net” for young people in Maine who don’t have stable family support and are at risk of homelessness.
Maine STEN is not a direct service provider. For access to immediate
services in Maine call the National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888.
Maine STEN is not a direct service provider. For access to immediate
services in Maine call the National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888.