If You Believe You Have Experienced Sexual Harassment/Sexual Misconduct

At Providence College, we care deeply for the health, safety, and well-being of individuals on our campus. We know that deciding to talk about and/or report an incident of sexual assault or relationship violence can be a difficult decision.  Providence College provides a range of resources, services, and support for students and employees who believe they have experienced sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, or stalking.

Immediately After an Assault

Secure Safety Assistance

In some circumstances, students and employees may need safety-related assistance.  The Office of Public Safety, Residence Life staff and/or local police can assist and are available 24/7.

• Providence College Office of Residence Life (Hall Director On Call): 401.639.9110
  • Your Resident Assistant can also assist you in connecting with someone to talk about reporting options
• Providence College Public Safety (Emergency): 401.865.2222
• Providence Police (Emergency): 911 (9-911 from campus phone)

Information about confidential resources/assistance for students and employees, including those available 24/7, can be found on the Find Someone To Talk To page.

Seek Medical Attention

Medical attention is critical so that any injuries (including internal injuries) or infections that may have resulted from the incident can be treated.  Any hospital emergency room is able to care for the immediate needs of all victims of sexual assault, including women, men, and transgender individuals; however, whenever possible, victims are encouraged to go to a hospital with a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program.  SANE Programs have specially trained nurses who conduct examinations and collect evidence.

• In Rhode Island, Women & Infants Hospital (101 Dudley St., Providence RI 02905) and Hasbro Children’s Hospital (593 Eddy St, Providence RI 02903) have SANE Programs.
  • Individuals do not have to provide health insurance information to the hospital and the hospital cannot refuse treatment.  Individuals who do not want their insurance company to be billed should indicate to the hospital receptionist/clerk that they are “self-pay” and do not want to use insurance for the visit.
  • Forensic evidence (aka “rape kit”) can be collected for up to 96 hours (4 days) after an assault.
  • There is no charge for sexual assault evidence collection (aka “rape kit”) .
  • Getting a medical exam does not mean that an individual has to press criminal charges; however, a medical exam will help to preserve evidence if an individual chooses to press charges at some point.
  • Students and employees are advised to preserve and record evidence, as follows:  do not wash anything (body, hair, clothing), and do not comb hair, change clothes, douche or use the toilet; bring an extra set of clothing to the hospital (or bring the clothing worn at the time of the incident to the hospital in a paper bag); make notes to create a description of the assailant, where the assault occurred, and a description and direction of travel of any vehicle involved.