Girls’ LEAP is a direct service organization addressing violence against and among girls in Greater Boston.  Below please find additional national and community based resources for violence prevention, victim rights, sexual violence, sexual health, bullying, and mental health.

Violence Prevention

• IMPACT- “A unique personal safety and self-defense curriculum that teaches students effective strategies to resist threats, intimidation and violence perpetrated by strangers and people they know.  Classes are taught by a team of two instructors, one of whom takes on the role of a perpetrator. He wears a full suit of body armor so students can safely defend themselves using the same force needed in a real attack.” Tel: (781) 321-3900
• Boston Public Health Commission- BPHC Division of Violence Prevention aims to collaborate with youth, residents, community organizations, and city agencies to provide resources and information on violence prevention, healthy breakups, trauma response and recovery.

Victim Rights

• The Family Justice Center (FJC) of Boston-“Provides a safe and welcoming environment [for victims and their families] where you can talk about your experiences and explore your options. You may need help finding your way through the legal system and understanding your rights as a victim. You may want to know if and how your child has been harmed, and by whom. You may be looking for the support that you need to stay safe and start over.” Tel: (617) 779-2100
• Victim Rights Law Center (VRLC)- A law center “solely dedicated to serving the needs of rape and sexual assault victims. Through direct legal services, our staff and pro bono attorneys help restore victims’ lives after an attack, ensuring that they may stay in school; protecting their privileged and confidential mental health, medical and education records; preserving their employment; maintaining safe housing; securing or maintaining their immigration status; and swiftly accessing victim compensation and other benefits.” tel: (617) 399-6720

Sexual Violence

• Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC)-Acenter that offers services for rape victims such as 24 hr accompaniment to the hospital, case management, counseling, and legal services for victims, families and friends.  The center answers questions or concerns about sexual violence- rape, date rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, incest., etc.  Also offers information n how to get involved with rape prevention. English and Spanish Hotline: (800) 841-8371
• Safelink-  Offers information and referllas for domestic violence, dating violence, and violence in the home.  English and Spanish hotline: (877) 785-2020

Sexual Health

• STD411- Resource provides information and answers frequently asked questions on sexually transmitted diseases and infections- symptoms, effects, and how to receive treatment. Offers service referrals in Massachusetts. Interpreters available for many languages. Hotline: (800) 235-2311
• Boston ABCD- Offers resources for family planning, STD testing and provides no to low-cost birth control methods, exams and laboratory testing.  ABCD collaborates with partners to provide services in career development, elder services, financial future intitative, youth development and more.  tel; (617) 348-6000

Bullying

• Eyes on Bullying- A toolkit that “provides specific insights, strategies, activities, and resources to address bullying. It is designed especially for caregivers and parents of preschool and school-age children and youth to use in child care programs, afterschool and youth programs, and camps.”
• Stop Bullying NOW-Information for all ages.  “Learn all about bullying and what you can do to stop it. Take a look around and you’ll find games and cartoon Webisodes that help you Take a Stand. Lend a Hand.”

Mental Health

• TalkListen.org – Boston Public Health Commission. A good starting point.  A Resource for children, teens and parents on how to start thinking about and address topics that affect mental health such as stress, drugs and alcohol, family violence, violent behavior, sex, dating violence, date rape, depression, eating disorders, and suicide.
• Nineline- A resource for youth if they need or want to talk about a crisis they are in or  any of the following issues: an unhealthy relationship, community violence, depression or suicidal thoughts. Hotline: (800) 999-9999