“This is the first time Rape Response Services has had trained advocates available in Piscataquis County,” said Kathy Dixon-Wallace, Community Outreach Coordinator. “Our 24-hour hotline (1-800-310-0000) will continue to be staffed by advocates in the Bangor area. Local advocates are now available 24/7 via pager, for accompaniment of victim/survivors and their families at Mayo Regional Hospital's Emergency Department.” Advocates spent 15 hours in a training program that provided an overview of sexual assault, crisis intervention, medical assistance, Maine laws and law enforcement. Included was a three-hour session for advocates with staff at Mayo Regional Hospital’s Emergency Department. The advocates spent this time reviewing procedures for the collection of evidence following a rape, which is suggested within 72 hours for victims of sexual assault. Mayo’s Emergency Department staff also completed a separate, five-hour training in October on rape protocol examination procedures.

Dixon-Wallace said Emergency Room staff at the Charles A. Dean Memorial Hospital in Greenville will receive training later in March. She said Rape Response Services then hopes to schedule a second advocate training opportunity for Moosehead region residents early this summer.

Rape Response Services provides support for people in Penobscot and Piscataquis counties who have been affected by rape, incest, childhood sexual abuse or sexual harassment. Client services include the 24-hour hotline, support groups, interventions with hospitals, police and courts.

Rape Response Services also provides school programs with a variety of classroom presentations, staff training and on-site services. Community relations programs include law enforcement training, sexual harassment training, and staff training for community service agencies.

For more information on Rape Response Service programs in Piscataquis County, contact Kathy Dixon-Wallace at 564-8924.