Hospitals

Last updated August 4, 2021: At this time, BARCC medical advocacy has resumed providing in-person services at all area hospitals we serve. All volunteer and staff medical advocates are vaccinated. 

If you decide to go to the emergency room, try to go to one that is part of the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program. This program has specially trained nurses who can examine you and can collect evidence. They will also call BARCC and a trained medical advocate can meet you at the hospital. You may be faced with confusing medical and legal decisions, and the medical advocate can help you through the process.

Getting support at the hospital during COVID-19 (coronavirus)

When deciding what next steps are good for you immediately following a sexual assault during this time, it may be helpful to connect with the hospital to better understand what is available to you. We would recommend calling first to ensure that you can make decisions with the necessary available information. Below you will find the contact information for domestic violence and/or sexual assault clinics at the seven SANE sites:

• Advocacy for Women and Kids in Emergencies Clinic at Boston Children's Hospital, 617-355-7979 
• C.A.R.E Clinic at Brigham and Women's Hospital, 617-525-9684
• Center for Violence Prevention and Recovery at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 617-667-8141
• Domestic Violence Program at Boston Medical Center, 617-414-5457 
• Haven at Mass General Hospital, 617-724-0054
• Support for Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Abuse at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, 617-243-6521
• Victim Resource Center at Cambridge Health Alliance, 617-665-2992

What to expect at the hospital

During the COVID-19 public health emergency, you may have questions or concerns about going to the hospital. If you decide to go to the emergency room for a sexual assault exam and evidence collection kit (within five days or 120 hours of an assault), here are some additional things you can expect about your visit: 

• You will be asked to wear a mask; if you do not have one, the hospital can provide you with one. 
• You will be screened for signs and symptoms of COVID-19.
• Most likely you will only be tested for COVID-19  if you have signs/symptoms. 
• The staff will be wearing personal protective equipment, including gowns, gloves, masks, and face shields. 
• You will have the option to connect with a BARCC medical advocate over the phone during your visit for support and information. If you are not offered this option, you can ask the hospital staff to call the BARCC hotline at 800-841-8371 so that you can get connected to a BARCC medical advocate.
• Most likely you will not be allowed to bring someone with you. Sometimes exceptions will be made if you are under 18 or have an intellectual disability or disability that affects communication. You will still be able to connect with your loved ones or a support person over the phone or via text. This may change over the coming days and weeks; if you are hoping to bring a support person, call the hospital first to ensure guests are allowed at the time of your visit.
• If you decide to report an assault to the police, an officer generally will still come to the hospital to take your report there if you would prefer. You can also choose to go to the police station to make a report. 

Please note that the situation in individual hospitals may change; if you have specific questions, please contact the hospital you are planning to go to.