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.

1. 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. 
2. 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.