Frequently Asked Questions

COVID-19-related Frequently Asked Questions:

Is PARC offering in-person advocacy services?

PARC continues to be available for advocacy through Zoom, online chat, and the 24/7 hotline. Anyone can speak to a Peer Advocate via online chatbox during Peer Advocate office hours -- Monday-Friday, 12pm-5pm ET, any day classes are in session-- no appointment required!

To speak to either a Peer Advocate or a professional staff member via Zoom or phone, we ask that you schedule a meeting here. Meeting times are often available same-day and can be arranged outside of normal business hours by request.

If you’d like to speak to someone immediately, over the weekend, or after-hour, the 24/7 hotline will connect you to an advocate at any time during the semester: +1-781-736-3370. During the semester breaks, the hotline offers options to connect to either the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center or REACH Against Domestic Violence, or to leave a message to be returned by staff during business hours.

PARC staff will meet with folks in-person on a case-by-case basis for support unable to take place through one of the above options. Types of support that may be offered in-person by request include but are not limited to: court accompaniment, support reporting to the police, and meetings for those unable to safely meet via phone or computer.

Is the PARC 24/7 hotline still available?

The PARC hotline is still available during the semester. You can call from anywhere: +1-781-736-3370. If we are on another call, please leave your name, a safe number or email to reach you at, when a good time would be to call you back, and if it is okay for us to leave you a message.

From December 16, 2020 to January 25, 2021 the PARC hotline will be closed for break. You can still use the number to connect to either the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center or REACH Against Domestic Violence, or to leave a message to be returned by staff during business hours.

Can I still talk to a Peer Advocate at PARC?

Yes, Peer Advocates are available via the Chatbox, Monday - Friday, 12pm - 5pm ET any day classes are in session or by Zoom by scheduling a meeting.

Will PARC be offering in-person Bystander Trainings?

PARC is currently offering all Bystander Training exclusively on Zoom. The PARC team has worked hard to adjust these workshops to remain interactive and engaging via Zoom. Explore the schedule of workshop offerings here or request a workshop for your group, office, or class here.

Is the Bystander Training requirement for club leaders still in effect this year?

Yes, the Bystander Training requirement for club leaders is still in effect. Read more about it here (article 8, section 8). All of our levels of Bystander Training will be offered multiple times throughout the semester; please sign up here or consider scheduling a workshop for your whole club during one of your regular meeting times.

PARC Frequently Asked Questions

Is PARC confidential?

Yes, PARC is a confidential resource, meaning everything we talk about can stay between us with very few exceptions. These exceptions are:

You express substantial risk of suicide
You express substantial risk of homicide
You share information about the ongoing abuse of a child (under 18), an elder (60+), or a person with a disability (as defined by MA law).

Except for these specific situations, we are not required to report anything you share with us to the Office of Equal Opportunity or the police, but are happy to support you in doing so if you want to. If you ever want us to share information on your behalf we will need your explicit permission to do so.

Where is PARC located?

PARC is located in Usdan Student Center on the ground floor, in a hallway to the right of Levin Ballroom. We are behind the Gender and Sexuality Center and underneath the Study Abroad office.

Who does PARC serve?

PARC can work with any member of the Brandeis community who has been impacted by violence in some way, or has questions or concerns about violence. PARC does not provide treatment to perpetrators.

What is a Violence Prevention Educator (VPE)?

A VPE is a graduate or undergraduate student that is trained to facilitate prevention workshops to the Brandeis community, such as Bystander Intervention Training.

What is the Bystander Training requirement for Club Leaders?

This requirement can be found in the Student Union Bylaws: article 8, section 8. Either a version of Bystander Training or a training from the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion is required for each club officer, each year. Club leaders may sign up for Open Bystander Trainings each semester or request their own training for their entire club (minimum 4 attendees, please).

What is a Peer Advocate?

A Peer Advocate is a graduate or undergraduate student who holds office hours in the PARC office and is available to all members of the Brandeis community. Peer Advocates receive over 40 hours of training so they are familiar with a variety of grounding techniques, information about your options, and more. They are also great listeners!

What languages do you offer services in?

English, Hindi, Punjabi, Tagalog, Spanish, Korean, and Chinese. If you need support in any other languages, feel free to let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Do I need to make an appointment?

You can if you’d like- you can also request to speak with a specific advocate. If you prefer to schedule a meeting time, click here. We are also open for drop-ins weekdays between 12pm and 5pm.

What happens if I come into PARC?

There are always two advocates in the office weekdays between 12pm and 5pm. One of the two advocates will greet you and check in with you. Depending on what you need at that moment, our advocates can listen, provide support, brainstorm next steps, or let you explore the space on your own. Our services are tailored to your needs.

What can I find in the PARC office?

Warm drinks, books, various self care items, a quiet space to read or relax in, and more.

What information does PARC keep track of?

You are not required to disclose your name when accessing our services. We keep confidential notes excluding identifying details in case we need to coordinate care with other departments or organizations. Your information will not be disclosed outside of PARC without your prior consent unless we are obligated to under the MA Mandated Reporting Law.

Would it cost me money to access your services?

Absolutely not! All of our services are free.

Prevention, Advocacy & Resource Center