Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer survivors | We are here for you.

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

Here at the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC), we support survivors of all sexualities. Despite the fact that approximately 1 in 8 lesbian women (13%), nearly half of bisexual women (46%), four in 10 gay men (40%), and nearly half of bisexual men (47%) have been raped in their lifetime, only one in five LGBTQ victims of intimate partner violence or sexual assault get help from service providers. At BARCC, we want to change that. We know that there are many barriers that prevent people in the LGBQ community from disclosing, we at BARCC will always be supportive and respectful of your identity, and of your right to feel safe and validated when receiving our services.

People marching in a parade hold a banner for the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center, with colorful shirts and signs expressing pride. Among them, Queer Survivors stand strong, showcasing resilience and unity.

BARCC Services

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.

Resources for LGBQ Survivors