Resources for Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence

We see you. We believe you. You matter. 

The Women’s, Gender, and Equity Center offers individualized support for survivors of gender-based harm, including relationship violence, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and stalking. ​Our support services are for all survivors and UMBC community members seeking assistance, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. 

Survivor Advocacy Services

If you are experiencing gender-based harm, or are struggling to cope with your mental health due to experiencing violence, we are here for you.

We can:

  • provide a confidential space for you to talk about your experiences
  • share information about your rights and legal options
  • help you create a safety plan and identify coping strategies
  • connect you with campus and community resources.

To meet with an advocate, you can walk in, email advocacy@umbc.edu, or schedule an appointment here.

We Believe You

We Believe You is a support group for survivors of gender-based harm, offering community-building, support, and healing through weekly topics. We will explore topics including: self-care, boundary-setting, and empowerment after trauma.

Details about day and time can be found on our MyUMBC page.

For more information on reporting and access to the online reporting form to report incidents under the UMBC Sexual Misconduct (Title IX) Policy, and Anti-Discrimination Policy, click here. 

Women’s, Gender, and Equity Center/Advocacy Services

Commons 004

410-455-2701

The Survivor Advocacy program offers individualized, trauma-informed support for students who have experienced gender-based harm, including relationship violence, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and stalking. We can provide a non-judgmental space to talk about your experiences, share information about your rights, help create a safety plan and identify coping strategies, and provide referrals to campus and community resources.

RIH Health Services

The Center for Well-Being, 2nd floor

410-455-2542

Provides free STI and pregnancy testing for sexual assault survivors, emergency contraception, and treatment for immediate injuries. Can assist with transportation to hospital for a SAFE exam.

RIH Counseling Services

The Center for Well-Being, 2nd floor

410-455-2542

Free crisis and short-term counseling (no insurance needed). For longer-term needs, RIH can provide referrals to community resources. Groups and workshops are also offered, as well as an after-hours crisis line at 410-455-2542.

The Gathering Space for Spiritual Well-Being

Center for Well-Being, 103

410-455-6795

Looking for spiritual counseling or someone to talk to about some of life’s big questions? You are welcome to drop by the Spiritual Advising Office, or to reach out to Matt Hoffman, Director with Student Belonging (matt.hoffman@umbc.edu) to be connected with a confidential spiritual counselor.

Note: spiritual counselors are confidential resources; other staff at the Gathering Space are non-confidential.

UMBC Police

Central Plant Building, Lot 8

410-455-5555

In emergency situations, or to report a crime, contact campus police via 410-455-5555, or Baltimore County police via 911. UMBC police also provide safety escorts on campus, and transportation to a local hospital for a SAFE exam after a sexual assault. Filing a police report is not required for transportation.

ECR/Title IX Coordinator

Admin Building, 9th floor

410-455-1717

Oversees the university’s response to sex and gender-based harassment and discrimination, including sexual assault, relationship violence, and stalking. ECR is responsible for investigating reports and providing supportive and protective measures. This may include academic, housing, or employment-related accommodations, as well as no-contact instructions. Reports can be made via an online reporting form on their website or by contacting the Title IX coordinator (ecr.umbc.edu).

Once a report is made, an ECR case manager will reach out to conduct an intake and discuss options and next steps. Generally, the student will be able to decide if they would like to move forward with a formal investigation, informal resolution, or supportive measures only.

Retriever Support Services

The Center for Well-Being, 102

410-455-2770

Offers case management and referrals to on and off-campus resources, and assistance in managing crises that may impact a student’s safety on campus. Works collaboratively with other campus resources. To submit a Retriever CARE Referral click here.

If you need assistance with finding off-campus housing, have landlord issues, roommate conflict, or other housing concerns, please check out https://retrieversupport.umbc.edu/off-campus-housing/ or email them at ocss@umbc.edu.

Dean of Students

The Center for Well-Being, 102

410-455-2770

The Dean of Students provides support in identifying and connecting with campus resources. Works collaboratively with other campus partners.

Academic Advocates

Sherman Hall B-Wing, Room 345

410-455-2444

Working out of the Academic Success Center, academic advocates provide coordinated case management to work with students experiencing personal, academic, or financial concerns that may impact ability to graduate on time. Advocates partner with other campus resources to assist the student in coming up with a plan for success.  A referral can be submitted here: https://academicsuccess.umbc.edu/referral-form/

Each county has an agency offering a 24/7 hotline, advocacy and legal referrals, trauma counseling and support groups, and emergency shelter for survivors of relationship violence or sexual assault. Baltimore County is served by Turnaround, Inc.

For other counties, a list of service agencies can be found here: https://www.mnadv.org/get-help/domestic-violence-service-providers/

Or, to be connected to your local organization, call the national hotline at: 1-800-799-7233.

Turnaround, Inc

Hotline 443-279-0379 / Text 410-498-5956

Available 24/7 to provide resources, safety planning, and support. Offers case management, legal advocacy, group and individual therapy, and emergency shelter to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and trafficking. Services are offered virtually and in-person. All services are free and confidential. Services are offered in English or Spanish, with interpreters available for other languages.

MCASA Sexual Assault Legal Institute

301-565-2277

SALI provides comprehensive legal services to survivors of sexual assault, including advocacy for rights as a victim of a crime, housing and employment law, peace and protective orders, immigration, family law, and more. Services are provided in English and Spanish, with interpretation offered for other languages. Services are free.

Sexual Assault Forensic Exams (SAFE)

A SAFE is a free exam that collects evidence and provides emergency medical care following a sexual assault. Police reports are not required to receive a SAFE exam. While it is recommended to receive the exam within 5 days of the assault, the exam will be provided up to 15 days after the assault. Even if you have showered or changed clothes, the exam can still document any injuries and provide medical treatment, including STI prevention medication.

For Baltimore County:

Greater Baltimore Medical Center / 443-849-3323

6701 Charles Street, Baltimore MD 21204

List of SAFE providers by county.

Women’s Law Center of Maryland

410-321-8761

Provides legal information and representation for protective orders, immigration related cases, and family law cases to survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking in Baltimore County. All services are free.

All of our community members are welcome to discuss the issues that impact their well-being. Please know that under the USM Policy on the Reporting of Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect, all members of the UMBC community have a duty to report suspected child abuse and neglect. Any disclosures made to Women’s Center staff, even if it occurred many years ago and regardless of our confidential resource status, will be reported to local police department or the local department of social services, and UMBC’s designee, who may investigate the allegations. Visit this link for more details.