OPEN’s Sexual Violence Resource Center

What is the SVRC?

OPEN’s Sexual Violence Resource Center (SVRC) provides confidential support services to Northeastern students who have experienced any form of sexual violence, dating violence, or stalking.  

SVRC staff support students in making whatever choices or next steps feel best for them. This may include: 

  • Offering space to discuss your experience(s) 
  • Providing education about the impacts of trauma and relevant coping skills 
  • Explaining resources and reporting options 
  • Safety planning 
  • Facilitating connections to counseling, medical care, legal services, and/or Northeastern resources 
  • Accompanying students through the University investigation and adjudication process 

SVRC staff strive to provide inclusive and affirming services for students of all backgrounds and identities. We honor each student’s right to define their own experience and their own pathway to healing. For OPEN’s full framework and approach to sexual violence services, see here.

Request a meeting with the SVRC

To schedule an appointment with SVRC staff, fill out this confidential service request form (log in with your Northeastern credentials.) 

Please email open@northeastern.edu with any additional questions. OPEN staff monitor service request submissions and email Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM ET, and will reply to requests as soon as possible. OPEN’s main office is located on the Boston campus in 307 Ell Hall. 

Who can you meet with in the SVRC?

Clara Cahill Farella (she/her) 

Elizabeth Coscia (she/her) 

Kirsten M. Kuhn-Kutteh (they/them) 

While you can request which staff member you would like to meet with, we cannot guarantee their availability. 

The Sexual Violence Resource Center

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect when I fill out the service request form?

SVRC staff will do their best to reach out as soon as possible (usually within 2 business days) via the communication method given to set up a meeting. They will work with you to identify a meeting time and format that is most convenient for you. If you changed your mind about wanting a meeting since you filled out the request form, you do not have to respond to outreach, although an SVRC staff member may follow up to offer additional support. 

What can I expect from an SVRC meeting?

Whether you meet with SVRC staff in-person or virtually, staff will greet you, review confidentiality, and open up the conversation to you to share what brings you to the SVRC. You are welcome to share as much or as little as you like with staff. SVRC staff will listen and walk you through options that may be able to best meet your needs. The choice to connect with other resources and other services beyond the SVRC is yours. 

Are SVRC services in-person or virtual?

In-person meetings are available on the Boston campus. Virtual meetings are available to students in all locations. 

What if I need to speak with a staff member in another language? 

Phone translation services are available in over 200 languages including ASL, and SVRC staff will work to accommodate any other accessibility needs. 

Is the SVRC a counseling center?

The SVRC does not provide ongoing counseling services. However, the SVRC staff includes licensed clinicians, and all staff have extensive training on sexual trauma. If you are seeking therapy after an experience of sexual violence and don’t know where to begin, SVRC staff can help you explore your options and connect to resources that can best support you. 

Can I still access the SVRC even if an incident didn’t happen at Northeastern?

Yes. SVRC staff will meet with students regardless of where or when the incident occurred. The experience could have happened recently or many years ago.

Is the SVRC a crisis resource?

The SVRC is not a 24/7 crisis service. Services are available Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM ET. Meetings are scheduled by appointment, and alternative meeting times (e.g. outside of normal business hours) can be arranged as needed. 

If a student has been impacted by sexual violence and is seeking more immediate support prior to connecting with SVRC staff, see the Know Your Options guides for resources specific to each location.

 Can I bring a friend with me to my meeting? 

You are more than welcome to bring a friend with you if that will make you feel more comfortable. Please communicate this desire to the SVRC staff member who you will be meeting with ahead of time if possible. Please note that the SVRC staff member will be focusing on your needs during the meeting. If a friend of yours would like to process what this experience has brought up for them, please direct them to our Community Consultation service. 

Is the Sexual Violence Resource Center confidential? 

As part of OPEN, all Sexual Violence Resource Center (SVRC) staff members are considered Confidential Employees according to Northeastern University policy.  

For OPEN’s full confidentiality policy, see here.

Student Feedback

“Everyone makes sure that you are comfortable and only sharing things you want to, and they are great at connecting you to other resources you may want.”

“It might seem intimidating and even embarrassing to speak about the situation that has plagued your thoughts for so long, but in my experience I found that it was liberating afterwards. The individual from the SVRC that I spoke to was fully attentive and gave feedback in a nonjudgmental manner. I hadn’t known her for long, but within the hour, I felt comfortable speaking about my own circumstance. In the end, I am deeply grateful that I contacted the Sexual Violence Resource Center.”

“The SVRC staff are very friendly and courteous, and make you feel very comfortable.“

“It is a really great resource for anyone seeking help with sexual violence. The staff members are very welcoming, open, and understanding. Their support has been tremendous and I am very grateful for their support and guidance.”