Rape crisis programs overview
The Department of Public Health (DPH) seeks to promote wellbeing for survivors experiencing multiple challenges and needs, particularly those struggling at the intersection of poverty, trauma, violence and oppression. DPH partners with rape crisis programs to elevate the leadership of survivors in the movement and in service provision. Rape crisis programs promote well-being beyond crisis response and draw upon positive elements of survivors’ lives.
Services offered
Rape Crisis Centers are located across the Commonwealth and provide a variety of services to support the needs and healing of survivors of sexual assault and their friends and family. Rape Crisis Centers offer the following free services for adolescent and adult sexual assault survivors:
- 24/7 hotline advocacy and support
- 24/7 hospital accompaniment
- Accompaniment to police stations, court, or legal appointments
- 1:1 short-term counseling with a trained Rape Crisis counselor
- Support group offerings on a wide range of topics
- Community outreach and collaboration
- Professional education
- Primary prevention
Trauma-informed and culturally relevant
Programming offered by Rape Crisis centers supports survivors of sexual violence to heal from the trauma of their experiences through strengths-based support, empowerment, and individualized support.
Confidential communication
Services are provided in accordance with M.G.L. c 233 s20J. All DPH-funded RCCs must meet legal privilege standards at all times.
Emergency contraception after sexual assault
For low to no-cost emergency contraception (EC) or other confidential support services, visit Emergency Contraception after Sexual Assault.
Find a rape crisis services provider
Find a RCC services provider near you. Some of these providers also offer other services. Learn more about funded services and programming on Find Sexual and Domestic Violence Services.