Sexual Assault Reporting Resources
MIT Police Department
The MIT Police have specially trained men and women officers who investigate sexual assaults. During all interviews, the MIT Police will make every effort to offer female survivors an opportunity to have a female officer present, and male officers for male survivors. In addition, the MIT Police will help a survivor, who wishes to do so, make contact with:
• Local police
• The district attorney's office for criminal prosecution and legal survivor assistance
• Survivor assistance
• Anonymous sexual assault reporting: https://police.mit.edu/anonymous-sexual-assault-form
Violence Prevention and Response (VPR)
For emotional support, assistance in reporting, and/or to learn more about your available options, contact Violence Prevention & Response (VPR), MIT’s primary, confidential, on-campus resource for issues pertaining to sexual assault, stalking, sexual harassment and domestic/dating violence. VPR can be reached at any time on their 24/7 hotline: (617) 253-2300. For non-urgent situations, you can also reach them at VPRadvocate@mit.edu.
Institute Discrimination and Harassment Response Office (IDHR)
For information about MIT’s Title IX reporting options and procedures please contact the IDHR Office at idhr@mit.edu or visit idhr.mit.edu.
Risk reduction/Safety precautions:
• Rape and sexual assault are never the fault of the survivor. Responsibility lies with the perpetrator. No one deserves, asks for, or provokes sexual assault.
• The most common type of sexual assault occurs between individuals known to one another. Sexual assault occurs in all communities and people of all genders can be survivors.
• Sexual assault is any sexual activity that occurs in the absence of consent. If you engage in sex, be sure you understand your partner’s limits, and communicate your own limits. Do not engage in sexual activities without affirmative consent from your partner(s).
• See Something Say Something to Someone:
o If you do not feel comfortable intervening in any situation, notify someone who can (party host, GRT/A, Dean-on-Call, etc).
o Program your cell phone with the MIT Police emergency number (617-253-1212). Call this number if you become uncomfortable in any situation. We are ready to respond to your calls 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
Additional considerations for your safety:
• If you feel threatened on campus, look for a Blue Light emergency telephone or dial 100 from any Institute telephone.
• Utilize SafeRide or public transportation.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Trust your intuition – if a particular makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, choose an alternative.
• Let your friends know when you are leaving and arriving at your destination at the end of the night.
Sexual Assault Programs and Procedures
MIT is committed to educating the campus community in ways to prevent sexual assault. Throughout the academic year and during orientation, MIT Medical, the Office of the Dean for Student Life, the MIT Police, and certain student organizations deliver educational programs to parents, students, employees, and other members of the community. These sessions provide information on preventing sexual assault and rape, supporting friends who are survivors of sexual assault, security programs, residence hall and Institute-wide regulations and behavior standards, and an outline of the resources available to members of the MIT community.