Sexual and Relationship Abuse Resources

• Consent is an understandable exchange of affirmative words or actions, which indicate a willingness by all parties to participate in mutually agreed upon sexual activity. Silence does not equal consent.
• Consent cannot be given if one of the participants is: under the age of consent (16 years old in MA), mentally disabled, incapacitated by drugs or alcohol, unconscious, asleep, unaware, or physically helpless.
• Consent is not effective if a person is coerced, pressured, intimidated or threatened.
  
  Consent can be revoked at any time.

How to Help a Friend

•        LISTEN.
•        Don’t judge—believe what they say.
•        Never blame them for being assaulted.
•        Help them explore their options.
•        Ask if they want police assistance?
•        Ask if they are afraid of seeing the person again?
•        Ask if they need medical care?
•        Ask if they want to talk with a confidential source?
•        Help them make a connection with one of the referral sources listed in this brochure.

Salem State University will not tolerate Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking in any form.

Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking

What if you experience sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence or stalking? Tell someone.

•        Tell a friend or resident assistant.
•        Tell a counselor or nurse.
•        Tell the dean of students.
•        Tell a professor, staff or administrator.
•        In almost every case telling someone you trust will help. 

Where can I get help?

• “I need immediate protection.”
• “I want to file criminal charges.”
• “I need a restraining order.”
• “I want to file university charges.”
• “I need a safety escort.” 

On-Campus

Salem State University Police:

Office Location: Central Campus

Telephone: 978.542.6111

Able to take immediate action to help you.  They can assist in obtaining a restraining order.  (Available 24 hours a day) 

Dean of Students Office:

Office Location: Meier Hall 245

Telephone: 978.542.6401

Able to take action in many areas to protect you, through utilization of the student conduct process.

Interim Title IX Coordinator: Rita Colucci, General Counsel

Office Location: North Campus, Administration Building, 1st Floor

Telephone: 978.542.8600

Oversees and ensures compliance of issues related to sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. 

Residence Life:

Office Location: Atlantic Hall 131

Telephone: 978.542.6416

Trained professional staff are also available in each residence hall. Residence Life is able to take action to help you, through the utilization of the student conduct process.

“I need counseling.”

“I just want to talk to someone.”

“I need full confidentiality.”

Counseling and Health Services:

Office Location: Ellison Campus Center 107

Telephone: 978.542.6410 or 978.542.6413

A confidential resource and can provide medical and counseling services as well as information and support. They can advocate for you with your consent.

The PEAR (Prevention Education Advocacy Response) Program

Program Coordinator: Jessica Stevens

Office Location: Ellison Campus Center, room 112

Telephone: 978.542.2987

Confidential advocacy line (call/text): 978.594.7089

PEAR offers confidential advocacy to students impacted by sexual assault, dating and domestic violence and stalking. Can provide information, and support, and help students get connected to resources. The PEAR program can advocate for you with your consent. The PEAR program also offers training and programs on these topics.

Where can I get additional help?

Off-Campus

YWCA North Shore Rape Crisis Center

24-hour hotline: 800.922.8772

Free, confidential, and can accompany you to hospital, police station, and/or court. 

Healing Abuse Working for Change (HAWC)

24-hour hotline: 800.547.1649

Free comprehensive services to all individuals experiencing domestic violence.

Know Your Rights

You have the right to decide when, where, and with whom to engage in sexual activity.

You have the right to be in a relationship that is free of coercion, control, intimidation, emotional and physical abuse.

When it occurs against your will, you have the  right to:

•        File criminal charges (state proceedings)
•        File student conduct charges (university proceedings)
•        Access to counseling services
•        Access to medical or health services
•        Receive academic support
•        File student conduct charges or employee investigation proceedings