Survivors with disabilities | We are here for you.

The Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC) provides services to people of all abilities. We understand that survivors of sexual violence with disabilites face unique challenges to receiving the help that they need and do the most that we can to ensure that our services are accessible to everyone who needs them. We also work to ensure that our offices are accessible for all employees and volunteers, and othat ur events and trainings accessible for all attendees. For us, increasing access means covering a wide range of considerations, like using fonts people can easily read, having easy to understand confidentiality forms, and having a good level of awareness among staff about sexual violence against people with disabilities.

Learn more about our commitment to accessibility.

All of BARCC’s services are free and confidential.

• HotlineOur hotline counselors provide emotional support, referrals to services, and explanations of our services. You can reach our hotline by phone 24-7 at 800-841-8371 or by web chat 9:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.
• Medical advocacyOur highly trained and supervised volunteer and staff advocates meet survivors—as well as their friends, families, loved ones, and any professionals who accompany them—at area hospitals 24-7 (emergency rooms and intensive care units). The advocate’s purpose is to provide comfort to the survivor by sharing knowledge, offering empowering support, helping survivors talk with medical staff, and ensuring the survivor has next steps and referrals.
• Legal advocacyOur legal team helps survivors understand their legal rights and options in the aftermath of sexual assault, sexual harassment, and other forms of sexual violence. We assist survivors as they navigate the civil and criminal justice systems, including campus processes.
• Counseling and support groupsWe provide short-term individual, couples, family, and group counseling with licensed clinicians and trained counselors for survivors of sexual violence and their families and friends. We have groups that specifically cater to men.
• Case managementWe work directly with survivors and significant others to assist with their immediate and long-term health, housing, financial, and safety needs. This includes providing information and comprehensive support to survivors in accessing health insurance, housing funds, emergency shelter, affordable housing, victim compensation, public benefits, and more.