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:

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.