Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
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 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
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, nonjudgement 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.
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.
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.
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 here.
Yes. BARCC’s services are free and confidential for survivors of sexual violence and their families, friends, and partners.
Our service area is generally defined as within the Greater Boston area, covering 29 cities and towns > Link to About Us. 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 message at barcc.org/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 you.
Additional Resources
Get Help Now
Call our 24/7 hotline at 800-841-8371 or send us a message at barcc.org/chat daily from 9:00 a.m –11:00 p.m.
About Sexual Violence
Get some big-picture context about who is affected by sexual violence, and how it impacts their lives.
