Who We Are

BARCC is led by survivors, advocates, and educators who believe in a future free from sexual violence.

About BARCC

Founded in 1973, the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC) is the oldest and largest rape crisis center in New England, serving as the only comprehensive center in the Greater Boston area. Our mission is to end sexual violence through healing, empowerment, and social change.

Our Services

BARCC provides free, confidential support and services to survivors of sexual violence aged 12 and up, and their family and friends. We serve survivors of all genders, empowering them to heal and seek justice in ways that are meaningful to them. Our support extends from immediate crisis intervention to long-term assistance, helping survivors navigate health care, legal, social service and educational systems.

Our services are available in English and Spanish, with additional languages provided upon request.

A group of people, including representatives from BARCC, are participating in the "Walk for Change" event in an urban setting, proudly wearing T-shirts and displaying signs on a fence.
A lively group in purple shirts gathers near the waterfront for an event, some sipping drinks and sporting sunglasses. Beneath a banner emblazoned with BARCC logos, they exude a vibrant community spirit.
A man addresses a crowd gathered outside a large building with a black fence and brick path, near the BARCC office.

Community Engagement

Leveraging over 50 years of experience and research, we educate and collaborate with a wide range of community partners. These include schools, colleges, police departments, health-care providers, and businesses. We advocate for policy changes and offer training on responding to disclosures of sexual violence, creating safer environments, and preventing sexual violence. Our expertise is often sought for legislative testimony and media commentary.

Our Team

BARCC is powered by approximately 35 staff members and over 150 dedicated volunteers. Together, we assist thousands of survivors each year, regardless of their sex, gender identity, race, immigration status, physical or developmental abilities, income, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or engagement with sex work.

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We Serve Greater Boston

We serve a diverse population across 29 cities and towns in the Greater Boston area, reaching approximately 1.3 million people. The communities we serve include:

  • Arlington
  • Bedford
  • Belmont
  • Boston
  • Brookline
  • Burlington
  • Cambridge
  • Chelsea
  • Concord
  • Everett
  • Lexington
  • Lincoln
  • Malden
  • Medford
  • Melrose
  • Needham
  • Newton
  • Reading
  • Revere
  • Somerville
  • Stoneham
  • Wakefield
  • Waltham
  • Watertown
  • Wellesley
  • Weston
  • Winchester
  • Winthrop
  • Woburn

“I went to therapy and an amazing teen group at BARCC. Those experiences taught me that I can be a survivor instead of a victim.”
— Shaira, 2016 Gala speaker

Join Us

Your support matters! Here are the best ways to make a difference for survivors of sexual violence in our community.

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Donate Online

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Become a Volunteer

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Attend Events

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Take Action

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Trainings and Workshops

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BARCC Careers

Testimonies

Discover how BARCC can help you.

“Supporting BARCC strengthens our community and empowers individuals.”

Susan M. Paley

The Village Bank

“BARCC provides essential support and trauma-informed care.”

Lisa Lachance

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

“I’m humbled by the integrity and deep-rooted intention of each and every person involved with BARCC and their desire to create a safe space for survivors. The tireless passion for creating change. The ability to sit with, and honor, humans in deep pain. . . . It’s remarkable.” 

Lynn Eikenberry

“You believed me. Without question. That left a lasting impact. In donating, I hope to pass that on to others. I believe you.” 

Emily C

“Barcc has permanently changed my life and life for so many of my loved ones. Gina is my hero! I can’t imagine where I would be without this amazing organization.”

Anne Reed

“Volunteered here for several years as a Medical Advocate. Seeing what an organization like this does on a daily basis and how it impacts the people and community it serves, really puts things in perspective. So lucky to live in an area where these services and compassionate people exist. Keep up the good, important and crucial work barcc! You’ll always have my support!”

Beth Toomey

BARCC Volunteer

“Excellent place for support – They helped change my life. I can’t imagine my life had they not help me. The impact was like no other organization I had been to. I can’t wait to give back! Thank you for the skills and all that you gave.”

Leslie D Meiggs

“Thank you, Boston Area Rape Crisis Center, for your invaluable service.”

Carrie Kourkoumelis

“BARCC offers amazing services! Their counselors are wonderful.”

Nicole Mazzeo

“Se convirtieron en mis ángeles de la guarda ? Siempre estarán en mi corazón 💓 porque me ayudaron a ver lo bello de la vida y a apartar de mi mente todo lo malo que yo e vivido”

Dina Ramos

“I felt really isolated and unsupported. Now that I have BARCC, I’m part of a large, supportive, and empowering community.”

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Cory

“After my assaults, I felt scared, numb, and like my being had been stripped from me. Thanks to BARCC, today I feel a lot stronger. Happy and whole.”

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Sonia

“I decided that if there’s anything I can do for survivors, I’m going to do it.”

A smiling person with long blonde hair in a black top stands against a purple, wavy patterned background, embodying the warmth and support found at Boston's Rape Crisis Center.

Nina

BARCC Volunteer

Barcc updates

The Latest from the Blog

  • Two people are hugging indoors, with one person's face visible and eyes closed, both wearing casual sweaters. This tender moment reflects the warmth found in supporting impactful charities like those in Massachusetts that bring communities closer together.
    Dec 28, 2024 | Stories of Impact |

    Support Groups: A Lifeline for Healing and Empowerment

    Our free support groups provide survivors with a safe and empowering space to connect, heal, and find strength together. Your donation to BARCC makes free, confidential support groups and 24-hour crisis services like our hotline and web chat possible.

  • A close-up of paintbrushes covered in colorful paint rests on a vibrant, multi-colored palette, embodying the mission of barcc.org to create something beautiful and new with every stroke.
    Nov 21, 2024 | New at BARCC |

    Calming Colors: Accessible Self-Care

    Calming Colors is the first part in BARCC’s Accessible Self-Care series. These self-care practices meet the person where they are, offering flexible support that can be personalized to their individual needs and circumstances.

  • 3D letters forming the word "WELCOME" against a blue wooden background, setting the tone for our new website launch at barcc.org.
    Nov 14, 2024 | New at BARCC |

    Welcome to the New BARCC.org

    We’re excited to introduce you to the all-new BARCC.org, designed with our mission—and your needs—in mind.

Dedicated to Healing and Empowerment.
Advocating for Change.

Together, we can end sexual violence.