You may make a confidential report, a non-confidential report, or no report at all. Whatever you choose, BSU encourages you to seek medical assistance or counseling.
Comprehensive guide to confidentiality and reporting (PDF)
Confidential Reports, Support and Assistance
- University licensed mental health counselors and health care personnel
- Confidential, with the following exceptions:
- Disclosures required by law such as:
- If there is reasonable cause to suspect that a minor, or an elderly or disabled person, has been abused
- If a person presents an imminent threat of harm to one’s self or others
- De-identified statistical information may be reported to Campus Police in compliance with the Clery Act.
- To put in place requested interim measures. You may request interim measures (e.g., more time to submit academic work or changing classes, residence halls or work locations), through a University licensed counselor. Student Affairs and/or other University officials as necessary may be contacted only for the purpose of implementing the interim measures.
- University Sexual Violence Advocacy and Support Center Staff
- Confidential, with the following exceptions:
- Disclosures required by law such as:
- If there is reasonable cause to suspect that a minor, or an elderly or disabled person, has been abused
- If a person presents an imminent threat of harm to one’s self or others
- De-identified statistical information may be reported to Campus Police in compliance with the Clery Act.
- To put in place requested interim measures. You may request interim measures (e.g., academic accommodations, change of residence halls or work schedule), through a SVAS Center staff member. Titles IX, Student Affairs and/or other University officials as necessary may be contacted only for the purpose of implementing the interim measures.
Submit an SVAS Center Support Form »
- University Employee Assistance Program, Off-Campus Medical and Mental Health Counseling Providers, Off-Campus Rape Crisis Centers, Counseling and/or Victim Support Services, Off-Campus Chaplains, Clergy, Pastoral Counselors
- These service providers are not required to report any information to the University and will generally maintain victim/survivor’s confidentiality except as required by law.
Anonymous Reports to the University
- To the Title IX Coordinator by completing this form
- To remain anonymous, you must not include your name or other personally identifying information. If you include personal identification in your email or voicemail, you will be contacted to confirm whether you wish to make an official report. Anonymous reports will typically be used only for statistical data collection under the Clery Actand/or Title IX, will be kept confidential, and will not be used to initiate an investigation or a complaint except: (1) when necessary to comply with applicable law; or (2) to protect the health and safety of the campus community.
Non-Confidential Reports to the University
While the following Bridgewater State University resources are not bound by confidentiality, they will maintain one’s privacy within the limited group of University personnel necessary to address the issues of prohibited conduct presented or as otherwise required by law.
- TitleIX Coordinator
- Boyden Hall, Room 206, 131 Summer Street, Bridgewater, MA 02325
- (508) 531-2744
- TitleIX@bridgew.edu
- University Responsible Employees
- These employees have an obligation to report sexual violence, sexual harassment, gender-based harassment, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking or retaliation and will share information with University officials and employees who need to know it in order to implement University policies and procedures.
- They will protect the privacy of the reporter to the greatest extent possible and share information on a need-to-know basis.
- Depending on the circumstances, a public warning may be issued by Campus Police; however, no identifying information of the victim/survivor will be included.
- Whenever possible, the University will notify the victim/survivor prior to the issuance. Information may also be included in statistical information as required by law but will not include identifying information of the victim/survivor.
Non-Confidential Reports to Off-Campus Law Enforcement and Governmental Agencies
- Off Campus Police or other Law Enforcement
- Information may be shared with the University within the requirements of Massachusetts law.
- Governmental Reporting Options
- If one wishes to file a complaint of sexual violence, sexual harassment, gender-based harassment, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking or retaliation outside of the University or in addition to a complaint filed under the University’s complaint Investigation and Resolution Procedures, these governmental agencies may provide additional resources. The relevant agency will notify the University of accepted complaints.
- U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights
- 33 Arch Street, 9th Floor, Boston, MA 02119-1424
- (617) 289-01111,
- TDD (877) 521-2172
- Email: OCR.Boston@ed.gov
- U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women
- 145 N St., NE, Suite 10W.121, Washington, D.C. 20530
- (202) 307-6026
- Fax: (202) 305-2589
- Email: ovw.info@usdoj.gov
- Persons who have questions or who wish to file a complaint of gender discrimination or sexual harassment under state law may contact the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination:
- Boston Office:
- One Ashburton Place, Rm. 601, Boston, MA 02108
- (617) 727-3990
- New Bedford Office:
- 800 Purchase Street, Rm. 501, New Bedford, MA 02740
- (508) 990-2390
- Boston Office:
- Employees with complaints, questions or concerns about gender discrimination, sexual violence, sexual harassment, gender-based harassment, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking or retaliation may also contact:
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
- John F. Kennedy Federal Building
- 475 Government Center, Boston, MA 02203
- (800) 669-4000,
- TTY (800) 669-6820
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission