Complainants have the right to make no report and to not disclose the information to anyone. While a Complainant has this right, the University still encourages Complainants to seek support services that they might need.

Assuring One’s Safety

If an incident occurs, the University encourages one to report the incident and seek both police and medical assistance. Seeking police or medical assistance does not obligate one to make a complaint or take any further action, however the decision to seek medical help and gather evidence allows one to preserve the full range of available options. The University will assist any community member to get to a safe place, provide transportation for medical help and, if requested, contact law enforcement. For help at any time, contact University Police or, during regular University business hours, contact the Title IX Coordinator.

Preserving Evidence

Any person who has experienced sexual violence is encouraged to take steps to preserve evidence of the incident, as doing so may be necessary to prove that a crime occurred or to obtain a protection order from the court. After an incident occurs, one should try to refrain from bathing, showering, brushing teeth, drinking, eating, douching or changing clothes until the evidence can be collected. If one changes clothes, one should place each garment in a separate paper (not plastic) bag. If the incident involves any written or electronic communication (for example: pictures/videos, texts, social media posts and more.), care should be taken to preserve copies and not delete the original communication.

Confidential Medical Attention

Medical attention is strongly encouraged to treat any possible injuries, including internal injuries or infections. Please note that some medical actions are more effective if taken within a few days after an offense, such as preventative treatment for pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, evidence collection, and toxicology testing, if there are signs that drugs or alcohol facilitated the offense. One can generally discuss the incident with licensed medical personnel in a confidential manner.

Confidential Medical Resources on Campus

Students may access the services of Student Health Services on a confidential basis. Employees may seek confidential counseling and referral services from the Employee Assistance Program (“EAP”).

Community Medical Resources

Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) are specially trained, certified professionals skilled in performing quality forensic medical-legal exams. One may find more information about SANE services and where to obtain them on the MA Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program page.

Confidential Counseling and Support

Generally, one may discuss the incident with a licensed mental health counselor or a counselor recognized by a religious order or denomination on a confidential basis.

These counselors are good options if one wishes to discuss one’s situation with someone who can keep information about an incident as confidential as possible while assisting in determining next steps, such as obtaining further counseling, seeking medical attention, preserving evidence, and/or reporting to the University or law enforcement authorities then or at a later time.

Confidential Counseling and Support Resources on Campus

Students may access Counseling Services on a confidential basis. Employees may seek the confidential services of the Employee Assistance Program. All community members may access the confidential services of religious/pastoral counselors on campus, if any.

Community Counseling and Support Services

National and State Organizations


Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA)

MOVA upholds and advances the rights of crime victims and witnesses by providing outreach and education, policy advocacy, policy and program development, legislative advocacy, grants management, and service referrals. Visit the MOVA website to learn more.

Sexual Assault and Rape Services

MOVA supports free services throughout Massachusetts to help victims and survivors of sexual assault and rape. These services provide a range of options to support an individual’s specific needs, including:

  • 24/7 hotline counseling, information, and referral;
  • will go with victims to hospitals and/or police stations 24/7;
  • will go with a victim to court;
  • provide one-to-one counseling and support group counseling; and
  • provide primary prevention education, professional training and outreach.

Greater Boston Area


Northeastern and Central Massachusetts

  • YWCA North Shore Rape Crisis Center, Lynn/Lawrence/Haverhill: 877-509- YWCA (9922), Spanish: 800-223-5001
  • Center for Hope and Healing, Lowell: 800-542-5212 Hotline, 978-452-8723 TTY Central Massachusetts
  • Pathways for Change, Inc., Worcester: 800-870-5905 Hotline, 888-877-7130
  • Pathways for Change, Inc., Fitchburg: 800-870-5905
  • Wayside Trauma Intervention Services, Milford: 800-511-5070 Hotline, 508-478- 4205 TTY
  • Voices Against Violence, Framingham: 800-593-1125 Support line, 508-626- 8686 TTY

Southeastern MassachusettsA Safe Place, Nantucket: 508-228-2111 Hotline, 508-228-7095 TTY

  • Cape Cod Shelter and Domestic Violence Services 508-564-7233
  • Independence House, Hyannis: 508-771-6702 or Hotline 800-439-6507
  • Independence House, Falmouth: 508-548-0533 or Hotline 800-439-6507
  • Martha’s Vineyard Community Services, Oak Bluffs: 508-693-0032 Hotline or 774-549-9659 TTY
  • The Women’s Center, Greater New Bedford: Hotline 508-999-6636 or 508-996- 1177 TTY
  • The Women’s Center, Fall River: Hotline 508-996-3343 or 508-996-1177 TTY
  • New Hope, Attleboro: 800-323-4673 Hotline/TTY
  • The Women’s Center, Fall River: 508-672-1222 Hotline, 508-999-6636; TTY 508- 9961177
  • A New Day, Brockton: 508-588-8255 Hotline, 508-588-8255 or toll free at 888- 293-7273

Western Massachusetts

  • Elizabeth Freeman Center, Pittsfield: 866-401-2425 Hotline, 413-499-2425 TTY
  • Center for Women and Community, Amherst: 413-545-0800 Hotline, 413-577- 0940 TTY
  • NELCWIT, Greenfield: 413-772-0806 Hotline; 413-772-0815 TTY
  • YWCA of Western Massachusetts, Springfield: 800-796-8711 (24/7) Hotline and TTY; 800- 2235001 Spanish
  • YWCA of Western Massachusetts, Westfield: 800-796-8711 (24/7) Hotline and TTY