Survivor Services

We offer many services to BU students who are survivors of sexual assault, dating violence, interpersonal violence, and other traumas.

Our team of specialized counselors provides:

  • Free & confidential counseling for BU students
  • Support groups and workshops
  • Medical, legal, and academic advocacy
  • Support that will not result in a report to the University
  • 24/7 advocacy support through SARP’s crisis line at (617) 353-7277
  • Office locations on the Charles River and Medical Campus
  • Referrals for services and support in the community

What to expect from us

We strive to be a supportive, nonjudgmental, and affirming resource for all survivors of interpersonal violence and trauma. We empower survivors to make the best decisions for themselves. This includes if, when, and how survivors report their experiences to the University or other authorities.

When you connect with us, you’ll be treated with respect and compassion. We might ask you questions like, “What brings you in today?” “Can you tell me what services you are looking for?” or “Can you tell me a little bit about what’s going on?”

We ask these questions to better understand your needs and connect you to the right resources. A brief summary is fine—specific details aren’t needed.

Who can use survivor support services?
We have resources for all students, but eligibility for survivor services varies:

  • If you are a full-time undergraduate or graduate student, you can use all survivor services at SARP—regardless of what health insurance plan you have.
  • Part-time, on-campus students with the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) can use all survivor services at SARP.
  • Part-time, on-campus students without SHIP—as well as online students—are not eligible for individual counseling services. However, they can call the crisis line, get help in an emergency, and use advocacy services and groups. We can also refer you to community providers for more services. Find free resources to support survivors in our Resource Library.

 

How to schedule an appointment

You can schedule non-urgent appointments online, by phone, or by visiting our office.

If you have experienced a sexual assault in the last 5 days, please call (617) 353-7277 so we can provide you with urgent care.

If you need help right away, call 617-353-7277 or visit the SARP office on the Charles River Campus (930 Commonwealth Ave.) during business hours.

To schedule online:

  • Log into Patient Connect
  • Select Appointments
  • Select Schedule an Appointment
  • Confirm that it’s not a life-threatening emergency
  • Select SARP and view the options to send a message or book an appointment
  • If you choose to book an appointment, you will be asked a few questions

Schedule by phone:

  • Call (617) 353-7277 to speak with a counselor during business hours.
    If you call over the weekend or after 5 p.m. on a weekday, let the phone ring until you hear a voice message instructing you to press 1 to leave a non-urgent voicemail or 2 to speak urgently with the crisis counselor on call.

Schedule in person:

  • Walk into the SARP office located on the Charles River Campus at 930 Commonwealth Ave, 1st Floor, Boston, MA 02215.

FAQs

Advocacy & Accompaniment

Many survivors must weigh their options regarding safety, medical care, reporting options, and academic support. Our counselors are specially trained to assist survivors in these areas. Learn more about our advocacy & accompaniment.

Groups & Workshops

Our educational groups and workshops focus on how trauma impacts an individual’s wellbeing and mental health, and connect students with similar experiences. Learn more about groups.