After my assaults I felt really isolated and unsupported. Now that I have BARCC, I’m part of a large, supportive, and empowering community.
The transgender community faces a disproportionately high rate of sexual assault as a result of marginalization and stigma. We want you to know that here at the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC), we support survivors of all genders, and we are here for you. At BARCC, we will always be supportive and respectful of your gender identity, and of your right to feel safe and validated when receiving our services.
The struggles and trauma of transgender survivors are unique, and we work to ensure that we are accommodating your needs. BARCC’s legislative advocacy team also works to make change to prevent violence against the community in the first place, including advocating for transgender students and for Yes on 3.
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 Transgender Survivors
- Boston Alliance of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth
- FORGE: serves transgender and SOFFA survivors
- National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs: national advocacy for local LGBT communities
- The Network/La Red: survivor-led organizing to end partner abuse and support survivors in LGBQ/T, poly, and SM communities
- Survivor Project: provides support, services, and resources for intersex and trans survivors of domestic and sexual violence
- The Violence Recovery Program at Fenway Health