What Happens if you Seek Medical Help?
Medical services are confidential.
If you decide to seek medical help on campus, you may go to Health Services. The staff can provide immediate care in a safe environment and review available options with you. Transportation to a local hospital with a support person of your choice can be arranged. You may also go directly to the Emergency Room of a local hospital or contact The Rape Crisis Center of Central Massachusetts. A physician who is on call for Holy Cross students can be contacted directly by calling 508-792-8830.
Within 72 hours of a sexual assault/rape you are strongly encouraged to and may choose to seek medical assistance. Within that time period, a Sexual Assault Medical Examination may be conducted to evaluate the status of your health (i.e. bruises, cuts, STDs, pregnancy, HIV, tissue trauma, etc.). Also, evidence is collected during this exam which will be available in the event you decide to pursue criminal and/or civil charges. Any evidence collected during the Sexual Assault Medical Examination is held up to 6 months in a confidential file, which is identified only by number and not by name.
Fees for the Sexual Assault Medical Examination can be paid directly or through health insurance. The College of the Holy Cross will arrange for payment as necessary.
If medical help is sought weeks, months, or years after a sexual assault, a physician will perform a general internal exam for signs of lasting physical damage or trauma. A physician will often prescribe prophylactic antibiotics as a preventive treatment for a number of bacterial STDs.
Holy Cross Health Services
Loyola Hall, Ext. 2276;
Off-Campus 508-793-2276
Mon. - Fri., 8:30am - 5:30pm;
Saturday, 10am - 4pm
Sunday: closed
(Academic Year)
After hours in an emergency, contact Public Safety (508-793-2224) and request transportation to a local hospital or to be put in touch with a physician or a Health Services staff member.
UMass Memorial Health Care (Memorial Campus)
119 Belmont St., Exit 17 off I-290
508-334-1000
UMass Memorial Health Care (University Campus)
off Plantation St., Exit 21 off I-290
508-334-1000
Worcester Medical Center
20 Worcester Center Blvd.
508-363-5000
Rape Crisis Center of Central Mass.
799 West Boylston St.
Worcester, MA 01606
Business Hours Monday through Friday 9-5
508-852-7600
285 Nichols Road
Fitchburg, MA 01420
Business Hours Thursday & Friday 9-5
978-343-5683
24/7 Hotline: 1(800) 870-5905
Llámanos y hablemos: 1(800) 223-5001 (Spanish language helpline m-s, 9-5)
TTY: 1 (888) 887-7130 (available m-f, 9-5)
You are strongly encouraged to seek medical assistance within 72 hours as valuable evidence can be collected within that time.