Get Help

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

Experiencing sexual misconduct, harassment, and discrimination can cause a range of emotions, including fear, anger, confusion, shame, and doubt. In these moments, it’s important to reach out for support when navigating such experiences. Confidential assistance is available at no cost at BU for our community members.

If you have experienced sexual assault, seeking immediate medical attention is strongly encouraged when possible to treat any possible injuries. Please note that there are some medical actions that are more effective if taken within a few days after an alleged offense, such as preventative treatment for pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections and diseases, evidence collection, and toxicology. It is recommended that individuals seek medical care from Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) who are specially trained, certified professionals skilled in performing quality forensic medical exams.

On Campus Confidential Resources

+ For Students

Sexual Assault Response & Prevention Center (Complainants Only)

The Sexual Assault Response & Prevention Center (SARP) compassionately responds to survivors of trauma and prevents interpersonal violence through awareness and education.

SARP Clinical Services include:

  • Crisis line available 24-hours a day, 7-days a week: 617-353-SARP (7277)
  • Medical, legal, and academic advocacy
  • Individual counseling and referrals to a community provider
  • Group counseling

If calling after 5:00 pm or on a weekend/holiday, you will hear a message saying you have reached SARP, the office is closed. Then a pause followed by instructions to press 1 to leave a non-urgent voicemail or 2 to speak with the Crisis Counselor on call.

Student Health Services – Primary Care

Primary Care is available for telehealth visits and select in-person visits from 9:00 am – 4:30 pm. 617-353-3575 or Message “Online Nurse” for assistance. (24/7 on-call service)

Behavioral Medicine 

Behavioral Medicine offers a range of mental health services to our students. Services include:

    • Emergency hotline available 24/7 at 617-353-3569
    • Assessment and diagnosis
    • Brief treatment, including short-term therapy and psychiatry
    • Groups and Workshops
    • Referral to community resources for longer-term care
    • Phone consultation for students, parents, and BU faculty and staff
    • Outreach and prevention programming

Clinicians are available 24/7, for daytime emergency triage and phone consultations, as well as mental health emergencies that occur after the clinic is closed.

Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation (Respondents Only)

The Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation is a research, training, and service organization dedicated to improving the lives of persons who have psychiatric disabilities. The Center specializes in:

  • Wellness and recovery
  • Training and consultation
  • Support and advocacy for individuals alleged to have caused harm (Respondent)

Call Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation at 617-353-3549, Monday-Friday 9am-5pm

+ For Employees

Faculty Staff Assistance Office

The Faculty Staff Assistance Office (FSAO) is a free resource where BU employees and their immediate family members can find help and provide information on the following: 

  • Brief treatment, including therapy and psychiatry
  • Groups and Workshops
  • Referral to community resources for longer-term care
  • Outreach and prevention programming

Call FSAO at (617) 353-5381 or complete an online form.

+ For All Community Members (students and employees)

Office of the Ombuds 

The BU Office of the Ombuds is an independent, impartial, and informal service where any member of the BU Community may seek assistance addressing concerns related to life, work, or study at BU.

Ombuds staff are available to meet with you virtually, by phone, or in-person at either the Medical Campus or Charles River Campus Office.

You can contact the ombuds staff confidentially ombuds@bu.edu or at (617) 358-5960. You are not required to leave your name or identifiable information.

Confidential Resource Providers 

Confidential Resource Providers (CRPs) are free resources for any BU community member (student, faculty, or staff) that can provide:

  • Reporting options and the effects of each option
  • Counseling services available on campus and through local community-based rape crisis or domestic violence centers
  • Medical and health services available on- and off-campus
  • Available school- or work-based supportive measures related to academic and residence life, and employment
  • BU’s disciplinary process
  • Information on how the legal process is carried out through local law enforcement agencies
  • Notify the reporting party of their rights and BU’s responsibilities in obtaining a criminal protection order (209A/258E), BU No Contact Directive, BU No Trespass Order, and other lawful orders from law enforcement or BU.

See this page for more information.

 

Off Campus Confidential Resources

+ Medical/SANE Exam

Sexual Assault Nurses are skilled in performing a SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Exam) and collecting evidence from patients who may have experienced a sexual assault. A SANE must be given within 5 days or 120 hours of the assault. A SANE can address pregnancy, HIV, and related concerns (free-of-charge).

  • Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
    • 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215
    • 617-667-8141 
    • bidmc.org/centers-and-departments/social-work/center-for-violence-prevention-and-recovery/sexual-assault
+ Sexual Violence Hotlines
+ Domestic Violence Hotlines
+ International Resource
  • No More Directory | Violence & Sexual Assault
    • A comprehensive international directory of sexual violence hotlines, support services, and resources.
    • nomoredirectory.org

 

Other Resources

+ Legal and Social Assistance
Suffolk County District Attorney’s Victim Witness Assistance Program

The Victim Witness Assistance Program of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office provides information, support, and assistance to witnesses, crime victims, and their family members. Victim Witness Advocates are located in each of the district courts in the county and the Boston Municipal Court, in the superior court, and in specialized units. Call 617-619-4200.

Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA)

The Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA) is an independent state agency devoted to upholding and advancing the rights of crime victims. Call 617-727-5200.

Victim Rights Law Center

Victim Rights Law Center (VRLC) was established in 2003 as the first nonprofit law center in the nation solely dedicated to serving the needs of rape and sexual assault victims. Through direct legal services, VRLC’s staff and pro bono attorneys help restore victims’ lives after an attack, ensuring that they may stay in school; protecting their privileged and confidential mental health, medical and education records; preserving their employment; maintaining safe housing; securing or maintaining their immigration status; and swiftly accessing victim compensation and other benefits. Call 617-399-6720.

Boston Police Department Sexual Assault Unit

The goal of the Sexual Assault Unit (SAU) is to provide the best police and social services available to the victims of sexual assault. The Sexual Assault Unit will accomplish this task by conducting thorough and detailed follow-up investigations of all sexual assaults reported to and under the jurisdiction of the City of Boston. Understanding the difficulty and trauma placed upon the victims of sexual assault, SAU’s approach mandates sensitivity to victims’ needs. SAU encourages the victims to use the services provided for them through its many partners located at the Family Justice Center as well as those in the social services, medical, and legal community. Call 617-343-4400.