PEAR Program (Prevention, Education, Advocacy, and Response) Informed Consent Information

Introduction

This document is intended to provide information about receiving PEAR services and to learn about Salem State University's PEAR program confidentiality policies. Please read it carefully. If you have any questions, please ask a PEAR advocate.

 

Eligibility

I understand that I am eligible for PEAR services as long as I am currently enrolled as a Salem State University student, including undergraduate and graduate students.

 

Scope of Services

I understand that PEAR offers a variety of services to survivors and supporters of survivors of sexual assault, domestic and relationship violence, and/or stalking including, but not limited to: empathetic support and advocacy; education about students’ options and rights; safety planning; assistance in reporting to on or off campus authorities, if a student chooses; connection to on-campus resources and referrals to local resources.

I understand that PEAR provides short-term support and does not provide therapy or counseling services, but an advocate can refer students to Counseling and Health Services or off campus resources, if requested.

I understand that I have the right to remain anonymous when calling/texting the advocacy line, although staff may ask for some demographic data for documentation or other purposes.

I understand that this document applies whether I am receiving services from PEAR in-person, virtually, or via the confidential advocacy line.

 

Staff

PEAR is staffed by the Confidential Advocate(s). All staff receive training in trauma-informed care and receive supervision from licensed staff. In general, all communications between a PEAR advocate and a student are considered confidential. However, in order to coordinate effective care, your advocate may share information or consult with another PEAR advocate, a supervisor, or other licensed professional in Counseling and Health Services, all of whom are required to maintain confidentiality.

 

Confidentiality

I understand that PEAR advocates maintain confidentiality in accordance with their roles on campus. PEAR will not share information about me without my written permission, except under the following circumstances:

  • If I present a serious danger to myself or another person;
  • If I am under 18 years of age and disclose abuse or neglect to my advocate;
  • If I disclose that a minor child, dependent adult, or elderly person is currently at risk for abuse or neglect from me or someone else;
  • If a valid subpoena is issued on my records, or my records are otherwise subject to a court order or other legal process requiring disclosure;
  • In the rare case where the office of the Dean of Students and/or the University Police has a serious concern about my safety or the safety of the community.
  • PEAR follows all university protocols and complies with all regulations, including Title IX and the Clery Act, which requires staff to share non-identifying or anonymous information about incidents on campus.

Documentation

I understand that I can sign a Release of Information if I would like the PEAR advocate to communicate with others about my services, whether they are on or off campus.

I can use email to communicate with PEAR for scheduling appointments or accessing resources, but I understand that email is not a confidential form of communication. If I would like to discuss confidential information, PEAR recommends calling the advocacy line or speaking to an advocate in person. I also understand that email is not monitored 24/7 and we cannot guarantee how often we read or respond to emails.

I understand that PEAR does not provide documentation for absences or tardiness for classes.

 

Emergency Services

I understand that PEAR does not provide emergency services. PEAR advocacy is available during business hours when the university is open.

If you need free, confidential 24/7 support, please contact these resources:

  • YWCA North Shore Rape Crisis Center: 877.509.9922
  • HAWC (Healing Abuse Working for Change): 800.547.1649
  • SSU Mental Health Support Line: 978.542.8327
  • Get Help Now: Crisis Text Line: Text “START” to 741.741

If you are experiencing an emergency, including a mental health or physical emergency, call University Police at 978.542.6111 if on campus, 911 if off-campus, or go to your nearest emergency room.