To the editor:

The Maine Department of Public Safety recently released its "Crime in Maine" report for 2007. For the third year in a row, the number of rapes reported to police in Maine increased; up by 15.6% from 2006. It is difficult to know whether this means the incidence of rape is increasing or if more victim/survivors are reporting their assaults. We, at Rape Response Services, hope it is the latter, as we have been working diligently in our communities to provide victim/survivors with a sensitive and coordinated response to sexual violence.

While this new data is helpful, the numbers are limiting when we try to gauge the prevalence of this devastating crime. Studies show that approximately 60 -70% of all sexual assaults go unreported, which means there are many victims who have chosen not to report their assaults or who are in the process of deciding how to move forward. So, while we can say reports of rape were up 15.6%, it is nearly impossible to determine whether this means the rate of rape is increasing in Maine. Regardless, one victim of sexual violence is one victim too many. We, as a society, need to do more to prevent this violence from occurring in the first place. Anyone can speak up when they hear sexist language and speak out to dispel myths about victims and perpetrators. We can all learn more about the gender stereotypes and cultural norms that allow sexual violence to continue, and can support victims/survivors when they decide to report their assaults.

As we learn more about the prevalence of sexual violence and reporting trends, we hope to use this information to better inform our prevention efforts so we can help ensure this violence will someday end. Until then, anyone affected by sexual violence should know there are resources available to them in their communities, including a statewide sexual assault crisis and support line available 24-hours a day at 1-800-871-7741.

Kim Roberts-Fer
Executive Director
Rape Response Services
A Penquis Company
941-2980