In a Violent Situation

You should not have to live in fear. There are support groups you can call, places you can go, and court action that can be taken if you are living with violence. Remember, violence is not just being hit. You can be a victim of violence when someone is threatening to hurt you, is following you around all the time (stalking you), throws things at walls, punches doors, hurts your pet, breaks things, or forces you to do something you don't want to do. You do not have to have bruises, scratches or broken bones.

There are ways to protect yourself or someone you care about from being hurt or being scared of getting hurt. THIS IS NOT YOUR FAULT!

CHILD ABUSE
SEXUAL ASSAULT
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

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CHILD ABUSE:

If your parent or guardian is hurting you, you can call DHHS or tell a teacher, doctor, nurse, or counselor. Teachers, doctors, nurses and counselors must call DHHS if they suspect that a child or teen is being abused at home. DHHS can go to Court to get an order to remove you from your home. You can be placed with a relative, in a foster home, or in a group home. If that happens, DHHS needs to set up a permanent plan for you that includes getting your parents services or treatment so that you can live with them again. If that is not possible, DHHS should look for a permanent and safe place for you to live. This could be an adoption or if you are an older teen, it might be teaching you independent living skills so you can be on your own when you turn 18. DHHS should also get services for you, if you need them.

During this process, the Court will assign a guardian ad litem (GAL) to you. Your GAL must meet with you at least every 3 months. Your GAL will write a report for the Court to read. The GAL must tell the Court what you want to have happen. The GAL also tells the Court what he thinks is in your best interests. This may be different from what you want to happen.

If you are unhappy with your GAL, you have a right to ask the Court for an attorney. You will not have to pay for that attorney.

Related information:
Running Away: You Are Not Alone
The Three-Person Child Protection Petition (explains how three adults can seek a protection petition on your behalf if DHHS won't)

SEXUAL ASSAULT:

Artist: Tamara Contributed by Shaw House

If you have been forced to do sexual acts with someone, you have been sexually assaulted. You can be sexually assaulted by an adult, someone your age, or someone younger than you. It's about whether you are able to and do give your consent (did you agree?). If you are passed out from drinking, you cannot give your consent. You may not be old enouth to give consent. There are different laws with different ages, but generally, you cannot give your consent if you are under 18. You do not have to have bruises or scratches to be sexually assaulted.

You are not sexually assaulted if you are willing and old enough to be sexually active with the other person.

If you are sexually assaulted, tell someone right away! You should probably go to a doctor too. The doctor can check to see if you are hurt and treat your injuries. The doctor can also test for sexually transmitted diseases (STD's). And, the doctor can look for evidence of the assault.

You can report it to the police. Criminal charges may be brought against the person who hurt you. The police will take your statement and do an investigation.

You can also go to Court for a Protection from Abuse or Harrassment Order.

If you are under 18 years old and are not emancipated, someone has to file the case on your behalf. This person can be your parent, legal guardian or an adult you know (they would be "your next friend"). If you have lived with the person who assaulted you or have had sexual intercourse with that person, you can ask for a Protection from Abuse Order. If you have not, you can ask for a Protection from Harassment Order. You have to go to Court and tell your story. If the judge believes you, you will get an Order of Protection. If the abuser does not follow your order, you should call the police right away. For more information, see Protection From Abuse: How the Law Works in Maine (opens in a new window). You can get the court forms here: court forms (opens in a new window).

There are support groups out there too.

Sexual Assault Statewide Hotline: 800-871-7741

Sexual Assault Response Services (SARS): 800-313-9900

Downeast Sexual Assault (Ellsworth): 800-228-2470

Rape Response Service ( Bangor ): 800-310-0000

Rape Crisis Assistance ( Waterville ): 873-0601; 800-525-4441

Augusta Area Sexual Assault Crisis & Support Center : 626-0660; 800-421-4325

Sexual Assault Support Services ( Brunswick ): 800-822-5999

Sexual Assault Response Services ( Portland ): 774-3613or 800-313-9900

Sexual Assault Hotline (Presque Isle): 768-3305 or 800-432-7805

Sexual Assault Crisis Center ( Lewiston ) 784-5272; 800-871-7741.

Or visit That's Not Cool, a site focused on teen dating violence and harassment.

For more information about where to go for help in ending an unsafe relationship go to Maine Teen Talk.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Elements Contributed by Shaw House

Most people think of domestic violence as something that happens between adults who live together - that one adult is hitting the other adult. But, domestic violence is more than that. It is abuse that happens in a household. So, it can be a brother beating his brother, a stepfather hitting your mother, or a daughter throwing things at her mother . It is not always a man hurting a woman; a woman can abuse a man. Remember, it's not just about being hit - it can be any act that makes someone afraid of being hurt (like punching the wall or threatening to kill you).

Domestic violence can also be between two people who don't live together but have had sex. So, if you have had sex with your boyfriend or girlfriend and that person hits you or threatens you or stalks you, that is domestic violence.

Just like with a sexual assault, you can call the police. You can also seek a Protection from Abuse Order, you can go to shelter for safety, and you can get support services.

To get an Order for Protection, you have to go to Court. If you are under 18 years old and are not emancipated, someone has to file the case on your behalf. This person can be your parent, legal guardian or an adult you know (they would be "your next friend"). In Court, you have to tell the Judge your story. If the judge believes you, you will get an Order of Protection. If the abuser does not follow your order, you should call the police right away. For more information, see Protection From Abuse: How the Law Works in Maine (opens in a new window). You can get the court forms here: court forms (opens in a new window).

To find a shelter or support group in your area, click here. If you go to a shelter, you should not have to change schools even if the shelter is in a different school district. This is because you should be considered a homeless student once you left your home and went to a domestic violence shelter. For more information, see Rights of Homeless Students to Attend School.