New England Conservatory is committed to creating a safe environment for all students. Changing attitudes toward sexual conduct starts with education. Therefore, we require all incoming students to complete the Haven course, a web-based informational program that educates students on healthy relationships, the meaning of sexual consent and the role of the bystander in creating a safe and healthy community.
In spite of our best intentions, sexual misconduct may occur on or off campus. We have established a clear set of policies and procedures to address these serious offenses which can be found on our Title IX Policy on Sexual Misconduct and Sexual- or Gender-Based Discrimination and Harassment page.
Responding to Sexual Assault
Sexual Assault is a traumatizing experience. NEC encourages victims of sexual assault to seek immediate medical evaluation at a local hospital emergency department where you will likely be examined by a nurse who specializes in sexual assault treatment. The collection of evidence is important, should you decide to press legal charges. Therefore, do not shower, bathe, douche, brush teeth, eat, drink, change clothing or urinate until you have reached the hospital. It is advisable to bring any clothing, bedding or towels that might contain evidence to the hospital in a paper bag. You will not be required to use this as evidence, but it is best to preserve it anyway. Evidence may be collected for up to five days.
NEC encourages students to report acts of sexual assault to the Boston Police. The hospital staff will assist you with the reporting process. However, they will not force you to file a police report.
While NEC strongly encourages victims of sexual assault to seek medical attention at a local hospital emergency room, we understand that some students may feel reluctant to take this step. The following resources are also available to NEC students:
- NEC Health and Counseling Center
241 St. Botolph Street, Room 112
Phone: 617-585-1284.
Any information shared with NEC Health and Counseling Center is strictly confidential. There is a healthcare professional on-call for phone consultations after-hours. Please listen to the Health and Counseling Center outgoing phone message when closed for directions on how to page the doctor on-call.
- The Boston Area Rape Crisis (BARCC) Hotline
Phone: 800-841-8371
www.barcc.org/help
- Victims’ Rights Law Center
Phone: 617-399-6720 x19
Fax: 617-399-6722
Address: 115 Broad Street, 3rd floor, Boston, MA 02110
- Boston Police Sexual Assault Unit
Phone: 617-343-4400
Reporting Sexual Assault to NEC Administrators
As mentioned above, students who wish to maintain strict confidentiality are encouraged to report acts of sexual assault to NEC Health and Counseling Center. Visits are confidential and medical records will only be released without your consent if subpoenaed by a court of law.
Students are also encouraged to report acts of sexual assault to any of the following NEC administrators who have been educated in the rights of and services available for victims:
- Katrina Chapman; Title IX Coordinator
Counsel and Director of Compliance
617-585-7043
katrina.chapman@necmusic.edu
Other Resources
NEC does not endorse or accept responsibility for the content or use of external websites.
Boston Area Rape Crisis Center
Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)
National Sexual Violence Resource Center