Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Resources (COVID-19)
You are not alone. Resources for victims and survivors of domestic/dating violence, sexual assault and stalking continue to be offered during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Confidential Community Resources
YWCA of Western Massachusetts 24/7 Hotline
services offered by phone
Offers 24/7 hotline in English and Spanish with interpreters available for other languages. Hotline can provide support in a crisis, but you do not need to be in a crisis to call. Advocates provide emotional support, help with safety planning, and help connecting to resources.
Contact: 413-733-7100; Español 800-223-5001
Womanshelter/Companeras 24/7 Hotline (Domestic Violence)
Offers 24/7 hotline advocates provide emotional support, safety planning and help with next steps for accessing services and resources.
Contact: 1-877-536-1628, info@womanshelter.org
Confidential Campus Resources
Able to discuss your concerns without notifying Title IX or Campus Police.
YWCA Campus Advocate (Free and Confidential)
Services offered by phone
Offers safety planning, advocacy, counseling, crisis response, and referrals to community resources to meet basic needs.
Contact: Sarah Mikesell at 413-732-3121 ext 308 or advocate@stcc.edu
STCC Health and Wellness Center
Services offered via online Chat Now!
Offers medical-related resources and referrals.
LIVE CHAT WITH THE HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER
River Valley Counseling
Counseling services offered by phone
Offers ongoing mental health counseling and support to STCC students via Telehealth. For information on other local and national mental health hotlines during COVID-19 please see STCC Mental Health Support page.
Contact: Dave Forton, Intake Specialist at 413-755-4332 or dforton@stcc.edu
Non-Confidential Campus Resources
Will discuss your concerns with discretion and respect, are obligated to notify Title IX.
STCC Title IX Coordinator
Services offered via email and phone
Title IX protects students who have experienced sex or gender discrimination, including sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, and stalking. The Title IX Coordinator provides safety planning, referrals, and accommodations for individuals experiencing discrimination. Title IX investigates campus-based incidents and reserves the right to investigate off-campus incidents of alleged Prohibited Conduct under College Policy.
Contact: Cyndee Shiveley at 413-755-4454 or cmshiveley@stcc.edu
Cindy Breunig, Violence Prevention Coordinator
Support offered via email
Offers assistance navigating campus and community resources.
Contact: cbreunig@stcc.edu
Restraining orders (209A) and harassment prevention orders (258E) are considered emergencies and as such they continue to be offered by courts during COVID-19.
- A 209A restraining order is a court order that protects you from being abused by a member or former member of your household or family, or someone you have been dating.
- A 258E harassment prevention order is a court order to protect you from harassment and abuse by someone who has harassed you.
For detailed information from MassLegalHelp see “Asking the court for a restraining order or harassment order during COVID-19.
You are not alone. If you need a 209A or 258E order, these resources can assist you:
Emergency Assistance: Call 911
Local police departments will respond, investigate, and provide support in explaining your domestic violence rights and pursuing protective orders.
Campus Resources
STCC Police
Services provided by phone
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic access is restricted to STCC campus. If you need to speak to the STCC police we may assist you by phone.
Contact: (Off Campus) In the case of an emergency, dial 911, your local police department will respond. (On Campus) Dial 911, STCC Police will respond.
For non-emergency assistance from STCC Police, call the non-emergency line: 413-755-4220
YWCA Campus Advocate (Free and Confidential)
Services offered by phone
Offers safety planning, advocacy, counselling, crisis response, and referrals. Can help refer you to SAFEPlan court advocates for assistance by phone.
Contact: Sarah Mikesell at 413-732-3121 ext 308 or advocate@stcc.edu
Community Resources
SAFEPLAN Advocates
Services provided by phone
SAFEPLAN is a statewide court-based program that provides specially trained advocates to help victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking who seek protection from abuse.
Springfield District Court Advocate Contact: Sam, 413-237-9353
SAFEPLAN Supervisor, YWCA of Western Massachusetts: Danielle, 413-732-3121 x701
24/7 YWCA of Western Massachusetts Hotline: 413-733-7100; Español 800-223-5001
Springfield Police Department: Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services
Domestic Violence Advocates offer safety planning, advocacy, and assistance to victims.
Contact (Emergency): Dial 911
Contact (Non-Emergency): DV Coordinator: 413-735-1519; DV Advocate: 413-735-1520
Special Victims Crime Unit: 413-787-6355
Community Legal Aid (CLA)
Services offered by phone and via online application
Offers free civil legal services to low-income and elderly residents of central and western Massachusetts. Provides free civil legal assistance to survivors of crime, including sexual assault, domestic/dating violence and stalking.
Contact: Intake line: 855-CLA-LEGAL (855-252-5342) or complete the online application
District Court Offices
Contact by phone
Individuals seeking restraining orders can also contact District Court offices directly by phone.
- Springfield District Court Clerk's Office: 413-748-8600
- Chicopee District Court Clerk's Office: 413-598-0099
- Westfield District Court Clerk's Office : 413-568-8946
- Holyoke District Court Clerk's Office: 413-538-9710
- Palmer District Court Clerk's Office: 413-283-8916
Campus Resources
STCC Health and Wellness Center
Services offered via online Chat Now!
Offers medical related resources and referrals.
LIVE CHAT WITH THE HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER
Community Resources
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE)
Services continue to be provided in person
A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE Nurse) provides quality, trauma-informed care and forensic evidence collection to sexual assault survivors. There is no cost for this service. Exams must be performed within five days of the assault to ensure evidence quality.
Western Massachusetts SANE Nurse Facilities:
- Baystate Medical Center Emergency Department
- Trinity Health (Mercy) Emergency Department
- Baystate Wing Hospital Emergency Department
- Cooley Dickinson Hospital Emergency Department
- Berkshire Medical Center Emergency Department
Rape Crisis Medical Advocates
Services provided by phone
Once a sexual assault survivor presents in an Emergency Department for a SANE Exam, hospital staff are responsible for connecting with a Rape Crisis medical advocate by phone. The medical advocate will remain on the phone with the survivor to provide emotional support for as long as the survivor would like and arrange for follow up counselling services.
Planned Parenthood League of MA
Clinic services by appointment only; Counselling provided by phone, chat and texting
Continues to offer emergency contraception and abortion services by appointment only. Sexual and reproductive counseling services offered by phone, online chat, and texting.
Contact (Appointment Scheduling): 1-800-230-7526
Sexual and Reproductive Health Hotline: (617) 616-1616 or toll-free (800) 258-4448, option #3
Chat with a Sexual Health Educator by texting: “PPNOW" to 774636 (PPINFO)
With College Administration
STCC Title IX Coordinator
Services offered via email and phone
Title IX protects students who have experienced sex or gender discrimination, including sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, and stalking. The Title IX Coordinator provides safety planning, referrals, and accommodations for individuals experiencing discrimination. Title IX investigates campus based incidents, and reserves the right to investigate off-campus incidents of alleged Prohibited Conduct under College Policy.
Contact: Cyndee Shiveley at 413-755-4454 or cmshiveley@stcc.edu
With STCC Campus Police
STCC Police
Services provided by phone
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic access is restricted to STCC campus. If you need to speak to the STCC police we may assist you by phone.
Contact: (Off Campus) In the case of an emergency, dial 911, your local police department will respond. (On Campus) Dial 911, STCC police will respond.
For non-emergency assistance from STCC police, call the non-emergency line: 413-755-4220
Campus Resources
Center for Access Services (CAS)
Services provided by email
Offers support for a broad range of basic needs including emergency food assistance, housing, health insurance, public benefits, and referrals to community resources. CAS maintains up-to-date information regarding ongoing community resources during COVID-19.
Contact: cas@stcc.edu
YWCA Campus Advocate (Free and Confidential)
Services offered by phone
Can help connect with YWCA resources that address housing and other basic needs.
Contact: Sarah Mikesell at 413-732-3121 ext 308 or advocate@stcc.edu
STCC Library
Services provided by phone, online chat, and website
Offers ongoing support for a wide range of student questions, and up to date information on STCC student resources and community resources to meet basic needs during COVID-19.
Contact: 413-324-0998 or chat online with student Gmail account
Community Resources
Community Legal Aid (CLA)
Services provided by phone and via online application
Offers free civil legal services to low-income and elderly residents of central and western Massachusetts. Provides free civil legal assistance to survivors of crime, including sexual assault, domestic/dating violence and stalking. Legal assistance includes help accessing public benefits such as unemployment.
Contact: Intake line: 855-CLA-LEGAL (855-252-5342) or complete the online application
Community Legal Aid (CLA)
Services offered by phone and via online application
Offers free civil legal services to low-income and elderly residents of central and western Massachusetts. Provides free civil legal assistance to survivors of crime, including sexual assault, domestic/dating violence and stalking.
Contact: Intake line: 855-CLA-LEGAL (855-252-5342) or complete the online application
This project was supported by Grant No. 2016-WA-AX-0026 awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions and recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.