FAQs | BARCC

Q: What Do I Do Immediately After an Assault?

The first few days after a sexual assault can be a very confusing time. You may have questions and be faced with difficult decisions. During this time you may not want, or be ready, to make many of these decisions. This is normal and okay. You can call our 24-7 hotline at 800-841-8371 any time or chat online 9:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. to talk to a hotline counselor about your options. To learn more about your choices after an assault, visit Immediate Actions .

Q: How Do I Get In Contact with BARCC?

You can call our 24-7 hotline at 800-841-8371 any time or chat online 9:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. to talk to a hotline counselor. If you are interested in time-sensitive medical care and evidence collection options, we recommend that you call the hotline 24-7 at 800-841-8371 or chat online [Link to Chat Online] 9:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. If you would like to begin counseling, legal advocacy, immigration, or case management services at BARCC, please submit a request online on our Request Services Page or by phone at 617-492-8306, and our service access team will explore your individual needs with you. To protect the privacy rights of survivors and their families, we do not communicate about cases via email. Please call us at 617-492-8306 during regular business hours to talk about how we can help you. Legal process notices, summonses and court orders should be sent to: Keeper of Records BARCC 99 Bishop Allen Drive Cambridge, MA 02139 Office: 617-492-8306

Q: What Happens When I Reach Out to the Hotline?

We support people in all stages of their experience. This could be immediately after an assault or years and even decades into the healing process. Here what will happen when you contact either the phone hotline or webchat. A friendly, nonjudgmental person who believes you will answer the call. The person will tell you that if you share that you plan to end your life and are unable to engage in safety planning, they may call 911. You always have a choice to share or not to share. The person will ask some questions to identify what will help you in this exact moment. The person will share ideas and options about what to do next, but how to move forward is your choice. BARCC will not share your information with anyone unless you provide consent. You do not have to share any information you don’t want to. You can call anonymously by choosing option 2 in the main menu or by using our web chat .

Q: What Happens After I Submit a Request For Services?

A trained rape crisis counselor will respond to your request within three business days. If you want to talk to someone before that, please call the hotline 24-7 at 800-841-8371 or chat online 9:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. If you have not heard from someone after several days, please call our office at 617-492-8306 to request services.

Q: How Do I Get Training for My Business, Community Group, or School?

Request a Training, Workshop, or Speaker or e-mail engagements@barcc.org. You will hear from BARCC’s training intake coordinator within 24 business hours regarding your request. Submitting the form does not confirm your requested training; you must speak with the intake coordinator first to assess the needs of your organization and confirm logistics. We kindly ask that you make requests three weeks prior to the date of your event.

Q: Are BARCC’s services confidential?

Yes. All written and verbal communication concerning a client is kept private and will not be shared with anyone outside BARCC unless the client says it’s OK in writing—except as required by law in three cases: If we believe that a client is at high risk to hurt themselves or someone else If we believe that a child under 18, an adult 60 and over, or a person 18–59 with a disability requiring assistance with activities of daily living, is being physically, emotionally, or sexually abused, or neglected If ordered by a court; if you think you might be involved in a court case, please talk with a BARCC legal advocate about your privacy and confidentiality rights We will tell you when we are required to make a report and what information we will share. We will not share more than what is required by law. You may choose what information you want to provide to BARCC. You will not be denied services if you choose not to tell us certain identifying information, including immigration status. Learn more about our confidentiality policies .

Q: Are BARCC’s services free?

Yes. BARCC’s services are free and confidential for survivors of sexual violence and their families, friends, and partners.

Q: I don’t live in Boston. Can I still call BARCC?

Our service area is generally defined as within the Greater Boston area, covering 29 cities and towns . If you live in this area or were assaulted in this area, please don’t hesitate to reach out to BARCC through our 24/7 hotline 800-841-8371 or send us a chat from 9:00 a.m–11:00 p.m. daily. If you are beyond our service area, we can connect to your local rape crisis center and other resources that may help yo