There are several offices and resources within the Olin community that can be called upon to respond to incidents of behavior that could be subject to the Sexual Misconduct Policy and can serve as supports to individuals in many different ways. These resources are available to both Complaining Parties and Responding Parties.
A. Confidential Medical and Counseling Resources
Some Olin resources designated as “confidential resources” have the ability to maintain legally-protected confidentiality with the individual who shared the information. These individuals serve in professional roles in which communications are provided confidential status under the law (e.g., licensed mental health care providers, licensed medical providers, pastoral counselors and clergy) and may not report identifying information about behavior that may implicate the Sexual Misconduct Policy without the expressed permission of the individual who supplied the information in question or otherwise in compliance with law2. However, these confidential resources are instructed to inform individuals of their right to file a complaint under the Sexual Misconduct Policy and/or with the police and may assist in that process.
Below is a list of some available confidential resources for community members at Olin3:
Babson/Olin Health Services (students only)
Phone: 781.239.6363 - Fax: 781.239.5069
Babson College - Babson Park, MA 02457
Academic Year: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
Urgent Care hours: Monday-Thursday 5pm-7pm
Semester Breaks: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
Summer: Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm
Services: Health services, physical exams, and testing for sexual transmitted infections (STI’s) and pregnancy.
Colony Care Behavioral Health (students only)
Phone: 781.431.1177 Ext. 213 - Fax: 781.431.1181
River Street, First floor - Wellesley, MA 02481
Services: Comprehensive mental health and substance abuse treatment, individual psychotherapy, and walk-in crisis appointments.
Laura Kinney is Olin’s main contact at Colony Care. To schedule an appointment, provide your name and contact phone number in the voicemail and Laura or another counselor will contact you to set up a time to meet.
Colony Care is available on-site at Olin during the academic year. Appointments may also be scheduled to meet off-campus with free transportation to the office.
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Phone: 617.677.7000 - Emergency: 781.453.5400
148 Chestnut Street - Needham, MA 02492
Services: Mental health, counseling, and adult medicine.
Employee Assistance Program (employees only)
Phone: 800.828.6025
Court Street, Seventh floor – Boston, MA 02108
Services: Collaborate with employees to resolve personal and/or job related concerns that may adversely impact health, well-being, social functioning and productivity issues in the work place. Topics of support include: Balancing work and family, mental health, alcohol and drugs, recovery management, diversity, domestic violence, job related, and financial.
Additional Services: Confidential counseling, legal consultation, health and wellness resources, family and caregiving referrals, and convenience services.
B. Non-Confidential Olin Reporting Options and Resources
To report a violation, file a complaint, or seek information about the process under the Sexual Misconduct Policy, please contact the Title IX Coordinator (See contact information in Section IV above).
Olin recognizes that an individual may feel most comfortable discussing incidents, situations, and/or allegations with Olin employees whom the individual knows well. It is important to note that Olin employees, other than the confidential resources described above, are considered “responsible employees” and are obligated by law to disclose all reports and relevant information committed by or impacting any community member, that is shared with them, to the Title IX Coordinator concerning: unlawful discrimination on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, and marital or parental status, as well as incidents and allegations of sexual misconduct (including, but not limited to sexual harassment, sexual violence, relationship violence and stalking), and/or retaliation. The Title IX Coordinator will then take the steps to provide the alleged victim with rights and resource information. Responsible employees must disclose all information they know related to a report of potential sexual misconduct including the names of the alleged victim and perpetrator (if known), any witnesses and any other relevant facts including, the date, time and specific location of the alleged incident. Responsible employees include all full or part-time faculty, staff, administrators, and employees at Olin. Resident Resources (R2’s) are also considered responsible employees.
To the extent possible, information reported to a responsible employee will be shared only with the Title IX Coordinator and those who assist in the implementation of Olin’s Sexual Misconduct Policy and procedures. If the incident is an emergency or poses a serious or continuing threat, the responsible employee should first call Babson/Olin Public Safety immediately. If the incident is not an emergency does not pose a serious or continuing threat the responsible employee should not share information with law enforcement without the alleged victim’s consent or unless the employee is otherwise required by law to do so.
Once a responsible employee learns about an incident, allegation or receives a report, Olin is on notice and then may be required to investigate. In some instances, the alleged victim may express a desire that Olin not investigate the incident. The Title IX Coordinator will strongly consider the request, and will generally honor the request except in limited circumstances where the safety and well-being of the individual and/or the community outweighs the reasons for the request. For information regarding requests for confidentiality or no investigation see Section VI.A.1.
Whenever possible, responsible employees will disclose their duty to report incidents before someone reveals information about an incident. Olin encourages individuals to speak with a responsible employee so that an incident can be looked into and properly resolved.
C. Criminal Reporting Options
Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of a crime may file a criminal complaint with the Babson/Olin Public Safety (781.239.5555) and/or the local police department (911) where the incident occurred. An individual may make both a criminal complaint and a complaint to Olin under its Sexual Misconduct Policy.
Olin encourages individuals to report incidents to the police so the police can take appropriate measures to help individuals and prevent future crimes. However, individuals are never required to report an incident to Babson/Olin Public Safety or the local police.
Babson/Olin Public Safety
Phone: 781.239.5555 – Non-emergency Anonymous Tip Line: 781.237.8164
Emergency Call Boxes are located across Babson and Olin to contact Public Safety
Babson College - Babson Park, Massachusetts 02457
If an individual wishes to file a report on campus, a trained investigator at Babson/Olin Public Safety will be available to meet and receive a report. It is the policy of the Babson/Olin Public Safety Department to ensure consistent standardized procedures for the investigation and prosecution of all sexual misconduct claims. Officers and investigators are trained to respond, support, and collaborate with local health and law enforcement to help preserve evidence should an individual wish to pursue a criminal prosecution in addition to other protective orders available through the court system.
Needham Police Department
Phone: 781.455.7570
99 School Street - Needham, MA 02392
Massachusetts State Police
Phone: 781.431.5050
470 Worcester Rd - Framingham, MA 01702
District Attorney Office – Victim Witness Coordinator
Phone: 781.830.4800
45 Shawmut Rd - Framingham, MA 01702
If an individual would like assistance in filing a report with local law enforcement, Babson/Olin Public Safety will be available to provide assistance. Additionally, if an individual wishes to file a report with off-campus authorities, they may choose to go directly to the local police department. Transportation to the police department is available through Olin. One may also choose to have the police come to Olin’s campus. If this option is chosen Olin can arrange for a discreet and private place to meet for this purpose. By filing a report, you are not committed to seek criminal prosecution. However, Olin will evaluate its obligation to conduct an internal investigation as described in Section VI.A.1 below.
D. Government Reporting Options
If one wishes to file a complaint of sex discrimination, sexual harassment, including, but not limited to, sexual misconduct, sexual violence, relationship violence, stalking, and/or retaliation, outside of the College or in addition to a complaint filed under Olin’s Sexual Misconduct Policy, contact one of the government agencies listed below.
U.S. Department of Education (DOE), Office of Civil Rights (OCR)
Phone: 617.289.0111
5 Post Office Square, 8th Floor – Boston, MA 02109
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Phone: 617.565.3200 / 800.669.4000
475 Government Center – Boston, MA 02203
Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination
Phone: 617.994.6000
One Ashburton Place, Suite 601– Boston, MA 02108
E. Additional Resources and Guidance for Complaining and/or Reporting Parties
Individuals who have experienced sexual violence, other inappropriate sexual contact, relationship violence, and/or stalking may experience a wide range of feelings and have questions and concerns. Many resources to assist individuals at Olin in including local and national services.
In an emergency, contact public safety at 781.239.5555 or dial 911. Immediately get to a safe place and call someone you trust.
- Steps to Preserve Evidence. Any person who has experience sexual violence is encouraged to take steps to preserve evidence of the incident, as doing so may be necessary to the proof of the crime or to obtain a protective order. Clothing and surroundings may contain valuable evidence. An individual should try and refrain from going to the bathroom unless they are able to save a urine sample in a clear container. They should also try and refrain from drinking, showering, brushing teeth, combing hair, changing clothing, and straighten up anything. It is natural to want to do these things, yet it is important that a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) or physician be able to examine an individual as they are from the incident. If an individual needs to change their clothes, each garment worn during the incident should be separated in a paper (not plastic) bag. If the incident involves any written or electronic communications (such as texts, pictures, videos, social media posts, phone calls), one should try and preserve copies and not delete original material.
- Confidential Medical Attention after Sexual Assault or Other Violence. Medical attention is highly recommended to treat any possible injuries, including internal injuries or infections, even if there is no visible injury present. It is important to be aware that there are some medical actions that are more effective if taken within the first few days after an offense, such as pregnancy tests, tests for sexually transmitted infections (STI’s), evidence collection, and toxicology testing (if there are signs that drugs or alcohol facilitated the offense). Immediate medical attention may be especially helpful to prevent the transmission of STI’s, such as HIV, as long as medications are administered within the first 24-72 hours following an assault. Generally, an individual may discuss the incident with a licensed medical professional on a confidential basis.
Olin recommends that any person who has experienced sexual violence obtain medical assistance at a hospital or medical facility immediately after or within 72 hours of a sexual assault. These providers offer physical exams and provide sexual and reproductive health services (e.g., sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy testing). Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) are also available at some hospitals to collect evidence in the event that the individual seeks to pursue criminal charges or a protective order.
Babson/Olin Health Services (students only)
Phone: 781.239.6363
Health services, physical exams and testing for sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) and pregnancy.
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Phone: 617.677.7000
Needham Hospital Phone: 781.453.3000
Violence Prevention & Recovery Phone: 617.667.8141
Mental health, counseling, and adult medicine.
Newton-Wellesley Hospital
Phone: 617.243.6000
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) are available to collect evidence if looking to pursue criminal charges.
Brigham & Women’s Hospital
Phone: 617.732.5000
Metro West Hospital
Phone: 508.650.7000
Massachusetts Department of Health
Phone: 617.624.6000
If seeking transportation to the hospital through Olin, please contact the Title IX Coordinator. An individual may also request transportation with the help of Babson/Olin Health Services, or be transported by a friend or family member.
A Sexual Assault Medical examination is used to (a) collect evidence important in criminal prosecution or a civil case and (b) treat possible injuries or illness sustained from the offense. Having the examination provides an opportunity to obtain any possible evidence necessary to support the case should one choose to handle the incident through the criminal justice or other legal process. The examination is an optional procedure and does not commit an individual to any legal action. An individual is also not required to make a police report. Any evidence collected during the examination is held up to six months in a confidential storage which is identified only by a number, not a name. It is the individual’s right to request a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) to perform the examination.
There is no charge for a sexual assault medical examination completed in a Massachusetts hospital within five days after a sexual assault occurring in the state. The hospital where the examination occurred will work with the Massachusetts Victim Compensation & Assistance Division for the payment of any lab work, emergency room fees, physician’s fees, and medications during the hospital visit. Individuals are also eligible for additional expenses associated with the aftercare if deemed medically necessary as result of the incident. This can include further medical treatment, medications, counseling, replacement bedding and clothing (taken during the administration of the Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) kit), security measures, etc. To determine eligibility for these post-examination expenses, one will need to complete the Massachusetts SAFE Post Examination Application provided at the time of release from the hospital.
If an individual did not obtain an examination at the time of the incident, the Massachusetts Victim Compensation Fund may also cover the cost of the examination care at a later date as well as some possible post examination care (e.g., for follow up care for STI prevention, medication, testing, counseling, security measures, lost wages) if an individual submits a Crime Victim’s Compensation application with law enforcement. More information can be found at www.mass.gov/ago/vcomp.
F. Confidential Support for Complaining and Responding parties
The following resources can generally talk to individuals without revealing any personally identifying information about an incident to Olin. While maintaining an individual’s confidentiality, these individuals or their offices may report the nature, date, time, and general location of an incident to the Title IX Coordinator. This limited report, which does not include information that would directly or indirectly identify the individual, helps keep the Title IX Coordinator informed of the general extent and nature of sexual misconduct on and off campus so the Coordinator can track patterns, evaluate the scope of the problem, and formulate appropriate campus-wide responses. Before reporting any information to the Title IX Coordinator, these individuals will consult with the individual to ensure that personally identifying details are not shared.
- Babson/Olin Health Services (students only). Babson/Olin Health Services is available to assist students with immediate needs and to review available medical options. Babson/Olin Health Services can offer support, testing and treatment for STI’s and follow-up appointments for further testing, if necessary. If medical care is needed well after the incident had occurred, Babson/Olin Health Services can still provide any needed support and perform testing and treatment for students. Olin recommends that any person who has experienced sexual violence obtain medical assistance at a hospital immediately after or within 72 hours of a sexual assault. Babson/Olin Heath Services staff are trained to assist individuals and determine what options and resources are available. A confidential meeting can be scheduled by calling Babson/Olin Health Services at 781.239.6363. Transportation to a local hospital with a support person of your choice can also be arranged.
- Colony Care Behavioral Health (students only). Individual counseling appointments with members of the Colony Care staff are confidential and no information will be released with your permission except as required by law. A therapist will review confidentiality so individuals are able to make an informed decision about what information they feel comfortable sharing. All independently licensed psychologists at Colony Care are experienced in counseling both Complaining and Responding Parties in sexual misconduct, dating violence and domestic violence concerns. Psychological counseling is intended to help individuals process their emotions and thoughts related to the incident. The course of treatment is determined by each individual’s needs, which may change over time4. Some goals of treatment include establishing safety, regaining a sense of control, addressing depression, and attending to any psychological symptoms that may result from the incident. Counselors at Colony Care will also provide individuals with options and resources as well as providing support when making important decisions.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) (employees only). E4 Health is available to provide up to (7) sessions of confidential counseling for employees, their family and household members to resolve personal and/or job-related concerns that may adversely impact health, well-being, social functioning, and productivity issues in the workplace. Some support issues include: relationship difficulties, mental health, life cycle events, grief and loss, addiction, stress, and family. Additionally, E4 provides legal consultation, health and wellness resources, family and caregiving referrals, and convenience services.
G. Consider Reporting and Complaint Options
- Complaint under Olin’s Sexual Misconduct Policy. To file a complaint under this policy, contact the Title IX Coordinator as described in Section IV.
- Criminal Report. To file a criminal complaint, contact public safety at 781.239.5555 or dial 911 as described in Section V.C
- Reporting to Governmental Agency. To file a complaint with a governmental agency, please see Section V. D
H. Additional Support and Resources – Hotlines, Advocacy, Shelters, and Support
There are many resources available for individuals seeking support, assistance, and guidance from someone outside of the Olin College Community. These service providers are not required to report any information to Olin and generally hold confidentiality with individuals seeking assistance.
Boston Area Rape Crisis Counseling Center (BARCC)
Phone: 800.941.8371 - Website: www.barcc.org
24hr hotline, 24hr medical advocacy, individual and group counseling, legal advocacy, case management
REACH Beyond Domestic Violence
Phone: 800.899.4000 - Website: www.reachma.org
24hr domestic violence hotline, shelter, intervention, and prevention services, community based support services
Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN)
Phone: 800.657.4673 - Website: www.rainn.org
24hr national hotline, victim services, resources, advocacy
Jane Doe Inc.
Phone: 877.785.2020 – Website: www.janedoe.org
24hr sexual assault and domestic violence multilingual hotline, movement building, networking and support
Fenway Health
Phone: 888.242.0900 – Website: www.fenwayhealth.org
24hr LGBTQ hotline, counseling, support groups, advocacy, referral services
The Network / LA Red
Phone: 617.742.4911 – Website: www.tnlr.org
24hr LGBTQ, BDSM, and polyamorous partner abuse hotline, emotional support, resources, safety planning
Massachusetts Office of Victim Assistance
Phone: 617.586.1340 – Website: www.mass.gov/mova/
Victim advocacy and assistance, outreach, resources
Resources for legal aid, advice and/or representation:
Committee for Public Counsel Services
Website: www.publiccounsel.net
Public defender agency for Massachusetts
Mass Legal Services
Website: www.masslegalservices.org/FindLegalAid
Legal Resource Finder: Contact information for legal aid programs, nonprofits, government agencies, and court programs
Norfolk Superior Court
Phone: 781.326.1600
Dedham District Court
Phone: 781.329.4777