Support and resources

For anyone affected by the Cornell news, or by anything else. You don’t have to explain why you’re here.

What happens if I tell a teacher?

Teachers and staff here are mandated reporters under Massachusetts law. If we learn that a student under 18 may be being abused or neglected, we must tell the dean of students, who is the school’s designated reporter. The dean then reports to DCF (the state child protection agency), and sometimes to the police.

This includes:

• sexual assault, or any sexual activity a student did not agree to
• abuse by anyone
• sexual activity involving anyone under 16, even if everyone agreed

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t talk to us. It means you should know before you share. If you aren’t sure what will happen, ask a Sykes counselor how it works first. You can ask without telling your story.

Support at school

• Sykes Wellness
  Counselors and health services. 978-749-4455
• Your advisor, house counselor, or any campus adult you trust
  They can walk you to Sykes or sit with you while you call.

National support lines

• RAINN
  Support after sexual assault, 24/7. 800-656-4673 or chat at rainn.org
• The Trevor Project
  24/7 support for LGBTQ+ young people. 866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678
• Love Is Respect
  For teens and young adults dealing with dating abuse. Text LOVEIS to 22522 or visit loveisrespect.org
• 1in6
  For boys and men who have experienced sexual abuse or assault. Online chat at 1in6.org

If a friend tells you something

You don’t have to fix it. Listen, believe them, and tell them you’re glad they told you. Ask them what they need right now, and don’t repeat what they said to other people.

It’s a good idea to ask an adult for help in this situation. A counselor or campus adult can talk with you about how to support your friend without you having to name them.

Learn more

• National Sexual Violence Resource Center
• Stalking Resource Center: help for victims

The gatherings

Hosted by the Brace Center.