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Support and Resources

Support and Resources

Ways to get help

While there is no one right way to get help, below are some suggested resources and next steps available to you within 24 hours following an experience of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking.

  • Go to a safe place. A friend's room, any open campus office, an RD, or Campus Safety.
  • Find support and contact someone you can trust. You do not need to go through this process on your own. The Survivor Advocate or Counseling Services are available for you.
  • After any unwanted physical or sexual contact, seek medical care. We care about your safety and well-being - visit Health Services [confidential], or in an emergency visit Milford Regional Medical Center. 
  • Consider making a formal report. We want to talk to you about your reporting options and the additional support services available.

Confidential Support

Reporting to the College

The following resources are not confidential and are not intended for emergency situations.

  • Campus Police and Safety (24/7): Dean Hall Ground Floor 508-541-1888
  • Title IX Coordinator: Student Center 207; 508-541-1865
  • Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Students: Student Center 209; 508-541-1553

Anonymous Reporting

To make an anonymous report: www.dean.edu/anonymousreporting

Self-Care

Grounding is a technique that helps you stay present. Grounding skills can be helpful in managing overwhelming feelings or intense anxiety. They can help you regain and maintain focus from intense emotions or an anxious state of emotion. The following techniques are not an exhaustive list; choose the techniques that work for you.

Grounding Techniques

  • Physical Grounding
    • Find two different textures around you Find two different temperatures [find ice to hold or something cold]
    • Butterfly Tapping Take both arms and crisscross over your chest or legs [whichever is more comfortable]. Your left hand should be resting on your right shoulder or leg; right hand should be resting on your left shoulder or leg. Tap each hand against your chest or leg in an alternating pattern. Inhale on one tap; exhale on the opposite tap.
  • 5,4,3,2,1 Technique
    • Identify the following while taking slow, deep breaths: 5 things you can see 4 things you can touch 3 things you can hear 2 things you can smell or like the smell of 1 deep breath, exhale.
    • Tell Yourself Repeat the following affirmations: I am safe in this moment I am taking a deep breath It is __date__, at __time__, in __location__.

On-Campus Resources [Confidential]:

SANE Exams & Medical Support

If you or someone you know has experienced rape or sexual assault, help is available at Dean College Health Services or Milford Regional Medical Center. Milford Regional [located 10 miles from campus] is a SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) certified site.

SANE Nurses have specialized training to perform exams and collect forensic evidence related to incidents of rape/sexual assault. If you choose to have a SANE exam, it is best for DNA to be collected within 72 hours following an assault. If you are in need of medical assistance or transportation for a SANE Exam, please contact a confidential resource on campus.

SANE Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is a SANE exam?
    • This is a comprehensive physical and forensic exam in the aftermath of a sexual assault. The nurse will explain each step of the exam. During this exam, forensic evidence [DNA, clothing] will be collected and any physical injuries will be treated. If possible, avoid eating or drinking, removing clothing, or showering prior to exam to preserve evidence. During the exam, medications including emergency contraception, antibiotics for sexually transmitted infections, and Prophylaxis for prevention of HIV transmission will be offered. You are in control of each step of the exam. You have the right to ask any questions you may have, and to decline any part of the examination or treatment. Any medical cost associated with the SANE exam and medical assistance may be billed through your insurance. These costs may be visible to your primary insurance holder; if there are concerns and questions regarding billing please reach out to a confidential resource in Counseling. Financial assistance may be available through Victim's Compensation - to learn more, contact the rape crisis advocate.
  • Why Should I seek Medical Care or a SANE Exam?
    • In times of emotional or physical stress, people tend to minimize their feelings to protect themselves or out of consideration for the feelings of people they love. You may feel fine physically, but your body may be numbed by a state of shock, so it’s important to seek medical care as soon as possible. DNA evidence is best collected within 72 hours of an assault. In Massachusetts, survivors can have evidence collected at a hospital up to 5 days (120 hours) after an assault. After 5 days please, consider reaching out to your primary care physician or health services.
  • Do I have to report to the police if I choose to get the forensic exam?
    • No, the decision to report is up to you, and you are not required to file a police report before, during, or immediately after. During the SANE exam, forensic evidence will be collected and stored pending any legal action, should you choose to move forward with filing a police report.
  • How long will the exam take?
    • The length of the exam is determined by a variety of factors.
  • Can I have someone with me during the exam?
    • You may ask a friend or family member to accompany you to the hospital - it is up to you if you would like them present for the entirety of the exam. Milford Regional Medical Center will offer a rape crisis advocate to support you.
  • What is a Rape Crisis Advocate?
    • A confidential resource from a local rape crisis center who can be present with you throughout the exam, and offer emotional support and resources. The advocate will also help fill out the Victim Compensation application [this application assists with financial burden associated with the exam].

Medical Resources and Contact Information

  • Dean College Health Services provides free medical services to all students, including testing for sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy.
    • Health Services Chapman House 508-541-1600 Monday-Friday 9:00 AM –4:00 PM
    • Health Services is a confidential resource.
  • For SANE exams and medical assistance, contact or visit Milford Regional:
    • Milford Regional Medical Center Emergency Department 508-422-2240 24/7

Regional and National Resources for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence

Not all resources listed are intended for emergency situations. For immediate assistance please contact Campus Safety on-campus, or your local police department off-campus.

Local 24/7 confidential resources near Dean College

  • New Hope Inc.
    • serving those impacted by domestic and sexual violence
    • hotline: 1-800-323-4673
  • Wayside Trauma Intervention Services
    • support for survivors of violence in relationships, homes, and their community
    • hotline: 1-800-511-5070

Confidential resources in the Boston Area

  • Fenway Health:
    • Violence Recovery Program specializes in services for LGBTQIA2S+ community
    • hotline: 1-800-834-3242
  • The Network/ La Red
    • survivor-led, social justice organization for lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer [LGBTQ+] survivors
    • hotline: 617-742-4911
  • ATASK: Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence
    • empowering Asian survivors of domestic violence multilingual
    • helpline: 617-338-2355

24/7 confidential resources

  • ADWAS: Abused Deaf Women's Advocacy Services
  • Disabled Persons Protection Commission / Sexual Assault Response Unit DPPC/SARU
    • For victims and survivors of sexual abuse or assault with a dis/ability
    • 24-hour free hotline: 800-426-9009
  • HotPeachPages: International Directory featuring multilingual services in 110 languages
  • Jane Doe Inc.: Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence
  • RAINN: Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network
    • for local resources in your area: https://centers.rainn.org/
    • 24 hour free confidential hotline: 1-800-656-4673 | chatline: hotline.rainn.org/online
  • Safe Havens: Interfaith Partnership Against Domestic Violence
  • The Trevor Project
    • crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ young people under 25
    • 24-hour free confidential hotline: 1-866-488-7386 | chatline: Text “START” to 678678
  • Victims Rights Law Center: provides free, comprehensive legal services
    • for sexual assault victims and survivors seeking legal services in Massachusetts and Oregon.
    • Helpline: 877-758-8132
  • Voices Against Violence: services for survivors of sexual and domestic violence in the MetroWest area
    • Free, Confidential 24 Hour Hotline: 1-800-593-1125
  • 1in6: Nonprofit organization supporting male survivors of sexual abuse and assault