Confidential Resources

The University has designated staff members to serve as confidential resources meaning they have no duty to report the conduct to the University Title IX Coordinator. Faculty and staff members acting in their capacities as physicians, therapists or a confidential resource providers are not required to report sexual misconduct to the University Title IX Coordinator.

    On-Campus Confidential Medical Services

    Student Health Services

    • Primary Care is available for telehealth visits and select in-person visits from 9:00 am – 4:30 pm. 617-353-3575 or Message “Online Nurse” for assistance. (24/7 on-call service)

    Off-Campus Confidential Medical Services

    Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

    Boston Medical Center

    Brigham and Women’s Center

    • 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, 617-732-5500
    • A.R.E. Clinic 617-525-9684

    Seeking immediate medical attention is strongly encouraged when possible to treat any possible injuries. Please note that there are some medical actions that are more effective if taken within a few days after an alleged offense, such as preventative treatment for pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections and diseases, evidence collection, and toxicology. It is recommended that individuals seek medical care from Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) who are specially trained, certified professionals skilled in performing quality forensic medical exams. Here one may find more information about SANE services and where to obtain them in Massachusetts: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/designated-sane-site-hospitals

    The following hospitals have Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) who are trained to deliver medical intervention and forensic medical examinations for victims of sexual assault: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Boston Medical Center.

    On-Campus Confidential Mental & Emotional Health Support

    Faculty & Staff Assistance Office (BU employees)

    The Faculty & Staff Assistance Office (FSAO) is a free resource where BU employees and their immediate family members can find help and provide information on the following: 

    • Brief treatment, including therapy and psychiatry
    • Groups and Workshops
    • Referral to community resources for longer-term care
    • Outreach and prevention programming

    Call FSAO at (617) 353-5381 or complete an online form.

    Confidential Resource Providers (BU community members)

    Confidential Resource Providers (CRPs) are free resources for any BU community member (student, faculty, or staff) that can provide:

    • Reporting options and the effects of each option
    • Counseling services available on campus and through local community-based rape crisis or domestic violence centers
    • Medical and health services available on- and off-campus
    • Available school- or work-based supportive measures related to academic and residence life, and employment
    • BU’s disciplinary process
    • Information on how the legal process is carried out through local law enforcement agencies
    • Notify the reporting party of their rights and BU’s responsibilities in obtaining a criminal protection order (209A/258E), BU No Contact Directive, BU No Trespass Order, and other lawful orders from law enforcement or BU.

    For Complainants and Respondents:

    Denita Johnson, Assistant Dean for Field Education (denita@bu.edu)

    Sonia Mee, Assistant Director of Online Programs (smee@bu.edu)

    For Complainants Only:

    Jennifer Gomez, Assistant Professor, School of Social Work (gomezjm@bu.edu)

    Sexual Assault Response & Prevention Center (for Complainants)

    The Sexual Assault Response & Prevention Center (SARP) compassionately responds to survivors of trauma and prevents interpersonal violence through awareness and education. SARP provides free-of-charge counseling and advocacy to Boston University students who have experienced a traumatic event.

    SARP Clinical Services include:

    • Crisis line available 24-hours a day, 7-days a week: 617-353-SARP (7277)
    • Medical, legal, and academic advocacy
    • Individual counseling and referrals to a community provider
    • Group counseling

    Call crisis response at 617-353-SARP (7277), 24 hours / 7 days a week

    If calling after 5:00 pm or on a weekend/holiday, you will hear a message saying you have reached SARP, the office is closed. Then a pause followed by instructions to press 1 to leave a non-urgent voicemail or 2 to speak with the Crisis Counselor on call.

    Office of the Ombuds

    The BU Office of the Ombuds is a confidential, independent, impartial, and informal service where any member of the BU Community may seek assistance addressing concerns related to life, work, or study at BU.

    A strictly confidential and off-the-record service, the ombuds office is not a mandatory Title IX reporter, and can be a good first step when you don’t know where to turn for help.

    Ombuds staff are available to meet with you virtually, by phone, or in-person at either the Medical Campus or Charles River Campus Office.

    You can contact the ombuds staff confidentially ombuds@bu.edu or at (617) 358-5960. You are not required to leave your name or identifiable information.

    Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation (for Respondents)

    The Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation is a research, training, and service organization dedicated to improving the lives of persons who have psychiatric disabilities. The Center specializes in:

    • Wellness and recovery
    • Training and consultation
    • Support and advocacy for individuals alleged to have caused harm (Respondent)

    Call Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation at 617-353-3549, Monday-Friday 9am-5pm

    Behavioral Medicine

    Behavioral Medicine offers a range of mental health services to our students. They strive to keep the BU community healthy and thriving, so please don’t hesitate to call if you need:

      • Assessment and diagnosis
      • Brief treatment, including therapy and psychiatry
      • Groups and Workshops
      • Referral to community resources for longer-term care
      • Phone consultation for students, parents, and BU faculty and staff
      • Outreach and prevention programming

    The model of care is short-term with referrals to local clinicians when longer-term or more extensive treatment is recommended. This allows greater access for all students in the community.

    Clinicians are available 24/7, for daytime emergency triage and phone consultations, as well as mental health emergencies that occur after the clinic is closed.

    Call Behavioral Medicine at 617-353-3569, 24 hours / 7 days a week. This number is also located on the back of your BUID.

    Off-Campus Confidential Mental & Emotional Support

    Medical/SANE Exam

    Sexual Assault Nurses are skilled in performing a SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Exam) and collecting evidence from patients who may have experienced a sexual assault. A SANE must be given within 5 days or 120 hours of the assault. A SANE can address pregnancy, HIV, and related concerns (free-of-charge).

    Sexual Violence

    Domestic, Dating, or Interpersonal Violence

    Legal Services/Advocacy

    International Resource

    This pdf (Confidential Resources and Support) provides a printable version of all of the on-campus and off-campus resources listed above.

    Additional Community Resources

    LGBTQIA+ Center for Faculty and Staff

    The LGBTQIA+ Center for Faculty & Staff engages the BU community to foster a sense of belonging and connectedness for LGBTQIA+ faculty and staff; increase the visibility of LGBTQIA+ resources, research, and scholarship; celebrate the contributions of the diverse LGBTQIA+ community at BU; and improve recruitment and retention of LGBTQIA+ faculty and staff in the development of an inclusive and equitable workplace. The center is a physical and virtual space where members of the community can network, share experiences, engage in intellectual interchange, and find community. The center provides programming, consultation, professional development, resources, and advocacy that fosters an inclusive and affirming living, learning, and workplace environment. Please note that the Center is not a confidential office.

    Boston Medical Center

    Boston Medical Center’s Domestic Violence Program provides free, confidential services to anyone seeking help with Domestic Violence. Please see this print out for more information: Finding Safety and Support for Domestic Violence

    Legal & Social Assistance

    Suffolk County District Attorney’s Victim Witness Assistance Program

    The Victim Witness Assistance Program of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office provides information, support, and assistance to witnesses, crime victims, and their family members. Victim Witness Advocates are located in each of the district courts in the county and the Boston Municipal Court, in the superior court, and in specialized units. Call 617-619-4200.

    Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA)

    The Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA) is an independent state agency devoted to upholding and advancing the rights of crime victims. Call 617-727-5200.

    Victim Rights Law Center

    Victim Rights Law Center (VRLC) was established in 2003 as the first nonprofit law center in the nation solely dedicated to serving the needs of rape and sexual assault victims. Through direct legal services, VRLC’s staff and pro bono attorneys help restore victims’ lives after an attack, ensuring that they may stay in school; protecting their privileged and confidential mental health, medical and education records; preserving their employment; maintaining safe housing; securing or maintaining their immigration status; and swiftly accessing victim compensation and other benefits. Call 617-399-6720.

    Boston Police Department Sexual Assault Unit

    The goal of the Sexual Assault Unit (SAU) is to provide the best police and social services available to the victims of sexual assault. The Sexual Assault Unit will accomplish this task by conducting thorough and detailed follow-up investigations of all sexual assaults reported to and under the jurisdiction of the City of Boston. Understanding the difficulty and trauma placed upon the victims of sexual assault, SAU’s approach mandates sensitivity to victims’ needs. SAU encourages the victims to use the services provided for them through its many partners located at the Family Justice Center as well as those in the social services, medical, and legal community. Call 617-343-4400.