Find Support
Statistics show that sexual assault is a real thing that happens on every campus. It happens in and outside of dating relationships and to people of all gender identities, expressions, and orientations. What should you do if it does?
Understand that you are not alone and there are resources available to help you, whether you recently experienced an assault, or whether it has been weeks, months, or years.
SANet can provide you with information about each of the below options and walk you through how to access each resource if you so choose. SANet empowers callers to make the decision about how to proceed, and our advocates will support every decision you make.
If you would like to meet in person, SANet CARE Team members are available for walk-ins weekdays from 3:00-4:00 p.m. in Maloney 441 or by appointment.
For 24/7 support during the academic year, you may contact SANet's Hotline Team at 617-552-2211.
Find Support for Friends and Family
Find out how you can help survivors that you care about:
- You can listen. Listening is one of the most important ways you can support a survivor of sexual assault. Some survivors will want to talk right away, and others will need some time. Let the person you care about know that you will be ready when (s)he is. Let them talk and talk while you simply listen.
- You can believe. Survivors of sexual assault often worry that they will not be believed. If someone wants to talk with you about something as personal as sexual assault, it means they trust you. Try not to ask questions that sound like you don't believe the story. In fact, tell the survivor directly, "I believe you" When a survivor feels believed, you have helped the healing.
- You can let them make choices. Sexual assault takes away a person's power and feeling of control. Respecting a survivor's choices helps them get those feelings back. Making decisions is an important way to feel powerful. You can help get information and understand options, but a survivor needs to make his/her own decisions. You can empower the person you care about by supporting their decisions, even if you may not agree with them.
- You can get informed. Learn more about survivors' common reactions to an assault. If you know more, you can better understand and support the survivor.
- You can take care of yourself. You are an important person in the survivor's life if they chose to tell you about their assault. Take care of yourself and your feelings so that you will be better able to help them.
Support for Professionals
If a student discloses a sexual assault to you:
Care
Care for the student
- Ensure that they are safe
- Provide non-judgmental support
Connect
Connect with resources
- SANet: 617-552-2211
- CARE Team: 617-552-8099
- Counseling and Support
Contact
Contact the Title IX Coordinator
- Melinda Stoops: 617-552-3482
- Report the incident
- Discuss next steps
Available Resources
Sexual Assault Network (SANet)*
617-552-BC11 (2211)
CARE Team*
Walk-in hours, M-F 3:00–4:00 p.m. in Maloney 441
If you prefer to schedule an appointment, please email SANet@bc.edu.
Legal & Law Enforcement
- Police (Municipal) 911
- Police (Boston College) 617-552-4444 (emergency),
617-552-4440 (non-emergency) - Victim Rights Law Center 617-399-6720
Medical Treatment
- University Health Services (day)* 617-552-2225
- University Health Services (nights and weekends)* 617-552-3227
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (ER) 617-754-2400
- Brigham and Women's Hospital (ER) 617-732-5636
Counseling and Support
- Women's Center* 617-552-3489
- University Counseling Services (day)* 617-552-3310
- University Counseling Services (nights and weekends)* 617-552-3227
- Beth Israel Center for Violence Prevention and Recovery 617-667-8141
- Fenway Community Health Violence Recovery Program 617-927-6250
- Boston Area Rape Crisis Center 617-492-7273
- Campus Ministry* 617-552-3475
Other Resources
- Office of Student Conduct: 617-552-3470
- Melinda Stoops, Title IX Coordinator for Students: 617-552-3482
*Indicates confidential resource
HEAL Support Group
HEAL is a confidential, weekly, support group for BC students who have been directly impacted by sexual assault. This group is a collaboration between University Counseling Services and The Women’s Center. HEAL aims to assist members to achieve the following goals: ∙ Members will not feel alone in their experiences, feelings, and reactions ∙ Members will feel supported ∙ Members will gain a better understanding of the effects of sexual assault ∙ Members will be better able to cope with the effects of sexual assault ∙ Members will feel like they can support others ∙ Members will feel less anxious and afraid.
For more information, email Johanna Malaga, senior staff psychologist at University Counseling Services.
Fall Workshops
