If the victim should choose to prosecute, the advocate will go to court with them as well. All of the services provided by the Sexual Trauma and Recovery Services are completely free. Last year, the County s crisis center had as many as 12 new cases of sexual assault in November. On average, the center serves about 9 ongoing assault victims, with an average of around 5 new victims, each month. Sexual assault advocates are located in various towns throughout Aroostook County.
Most advocates are volunteers, and are required to go through extensive training.
Support group facilitator training is also offered to interested advocates. Throughout the month of April, the Sexual Trauma and Recovery Services of Aroostook County plans to hold activities in the surrounding towns, aimed at increasing sexual assault awareness. One project that will be traveling to different towns is the Clothesline Project. The Clothesline Project is a visual display that bears witness to the violence against women. Sexual assault victims decorate a shirt in such a way as to represent their own experience.