Options and Resources_SHARE

Options and Resources

SHARE Team

Confidential

Options

In addition to the support that the SHARE Team offers, there are many resources available on and off campus. If you would like, the SHARE Team can support you in working with these local resources.

We recognize the ways that the intersection of person’s and community’s identities, such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, documentation status, and socioeconomic background can influence the extent to which resources are accessible, trusted, or helpful.

What is most important is that you know all of your options and find the supports that feel best for you.

There may be many reasons why you might consider accessing medical care at some point in time. Often these medical processes and decisions can feel confusing and overwhelming. It is normal and okay to be unsure of what you want or not want to or be ready to make these decisions.

SHARE Counselors are available if you have any additional questions about your medical options or would like support in the process at any point in time.

Some information and timelines you might want to keep in mind if you are thinking about seeking medical care:

Pregnancy:
Emergency contraception (often called ‘the morning after pill) can decrease the likelihood of pregnancy. There are 2 kinds of emergency contraception. They are most effective if taken within 24 hours, however one kind can be taken within 72 hours/3 days, and the other kind can be taken within 120 hours/5 days.
In Massachusetts, emergency contraception is available:
- Over the counter at most pharmacies
- At the ScriptCenter Kiosk, inside of the HUHS main entrance in the Smith Campus Center
- By a healthcare provider
- As part of a Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit at the hospital
HIV and STIs: HIV emergency post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) should be started as soon as possible for maximum effectiveness and must be started within 72 hours of the potential exposure. You can access this at no charge through SANE services or through a medical provider.
Toxicology/Drug testing: If you suspect that you were given any type of drug and you choose to try and confirm, testing should be administered as soon as possible as different drugs will be detected for different periods of time after they have been ingested. In general, toxicology testing is available within the first 96 hours after an assault.
See Section "Accessing a SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner)" below for more information around forensic sexual assault medical attention.

Additional Medical Resources:

Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kits are administered by a SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner).

Designated SANE Site Hospitals in Massachusetts

SANE Exam: If you choose to have forensic evidence collected from a trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), you can do so at a qualifying hospital emergency department within 120 hours/5 days of the assault. The sooner you go to the hospital after an assault, the more options you may have.

During a SAECK (Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit) the SANE will also offer preventative treatment for pregnancy, HIV, STIs, and related concerns. You do not have to go for a SAECK to get preventative treatment. You can also visit your own primary care doctor or a health clinic for preventative care.
If you have a SAECK done, you get to decide whether or not you would like to file a police report. It is up to you whether, when, and with whom you share that evidence.
Should you wish to have evidence collected and go for a SAECK (Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit), some things to keep in mind include:
- In general, you could be at the hospital for up to 6 to 8 hours. Some things to think about are:
  - Would you like someone to go with you?
  - Are there things you want to pack, such as a phone charger, something to do while you are waiting, something that might feel comforting, extra layers of clothes in case you get cold, snacks, etc.?
- If you are concerned about the hospital exam being billed to you or a family member’s insurance, let the hospital staff know. In Massachusetts, there is no cost to you for a SAECK. The SHARE Team, as well as many other resources in the community, can help you navigate this.
- If possible, try to not bathe, wash, douche, smoke, change your clothes or clean the area where you were assaulted before evidence is collected.
- You will have the option of leaving any clothes you were wearing during or immediately after the assault as part of the evidence.
  - If you do, you will not get this clothing back. If you wear them to the hospital, bring clothes that you would like to change into.
  - If you change before going to the hospital, store anything you were wearing in a clean paper bag.
Save copies or screenshots of email messages, text messages, instant messages, social networking pages, pictures, logs, or any other documents that could be helpful in an investigation of the incident.
Write down anything you can remember about the other person, including the location and time of the incident, a description of the person who caused the harm, and a description of any injuries.
Even if you do not believe you want to pursue criminal action, it can be helpful to retain evidence in case you would like to at a later date.

If you have experienced sexual assault, an abusive relationship, stalking, or discrimination based on gender or sexual orientation, you may want to know more about legal processes, such as:

Seeking a protective order
Breaking a lease
Filing a discrimination claim, or
Immigration (U visa, T visa, or asylum)

These processes may vary between towns and states. Contact the SHARE Team for more specific information about any of these processes or support in accessing them.

Seeking a Protective Order

In Massachusetts there are two kinds of protective orders:

Abuse Prevention Order (often referred to as a restraining order or a 209a)
Harassment Prevention Order (often referred to as. 258e)

These are civil orders that are implemented by the court system. Here is a a brief overview of the difference between these two prevention orders.

To apply for one, you need to either go to the Court Clerk’s office during business hours or go to the police after business hours for an emergency order. If you seek an emergency order, you will still have to go to the Court Clerk’s office the next day.

If the order is granted by a judge, you have to go back to court in approximately 10 days for a hearing where a judge decides whether to extend the order for a longer period of time.

Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD)

The MCAD is a neutral entity that enforces Massachusetts anti-discrimination laws by investigating complaints that allege discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, higher education admissions, credit, and lending. If it is found that discrimination has likely occurred, the MCAD prosecutes and adjudicates such cases. Complaints can be filed directly on the MCAD site. The SHARE Team is available in supporting those considering initiating the complaint process.

Attorney General of Massachusetts, Civil Rights Division

The Attorney General’s Civil Rights Division reviews and responds to civil rights complaints alleging deprivations of, or interference with, civil rights and civil liberties. The office may bring enforcement action, where appropriate, may mediate disputes, or may refer complainants to other resources. Access more information via the Attorney General of Massachusetts Civil Rights Division site.

Additional Advocacy and Legal Resources: