Sexual Assault & Dating Violence

Navigating Needs After Sexual Harm

Harm Definitions

We use the term sexual harm to encompass all non-consensual behaviors of a sexual nature, or related to sex or gender, that causes a person to feel uncomfortable, frightened, distressed, intimidated or harmed either physically or psychologically. Examples of sexual harm include, but are not limited to:

sexual assault/abuse
sexual or gender-based harassment
domestic/dating violence
relationship abuse (abuse within any type of relationship, often by exploiting differences in power)
stalking
sexual exploitation.

For general definitions of these terms, please click here. To see how Brown University uses these terms for the Sexual and Gender Based-Misconduct Policy, please click here and for the Title IX Policy, please click here. For related definitions under RI state law, please click here, here, here, and here.

Emergency Numbers

Brown Resources:

Department of Public Safety
- Emergency Line (401) 863-4111
Brown EMS (401) 863-4111
Sexual Assault Response Line (401) 863-6000

Community Resources

Providence Police 911
24-hour Helpline (800) 494-8100

Time-sensitive Medical Needs

Your safety matters. If you need immediate emergency safety or medical help, call at 401-863-4111 to reach Brown Public Safety(DPS) and Emergency Medical Services(EMS) or dial 911 for your local police response.
If you feel unsafe, go to a secure place as soon as you can and consider asking someone you trust to stay with you.
To speak to a confidential crisis counselor about your options, including those listed below, you can call Brown’s Sexual Assault Response Line available 24/7 at 401-863-6000.
You can file a police report without having to move forward with a criminal complaint. Evidence can be collected up to 4 days after an incident. There is no statute of limitations to report first-degree sexual assault in RI. However, to access the RI Crime Victim Compensation Fund, a police report needs to be filed within 10 days of the crime and a claim filed no later than three years after. For more information about the Fund click here.
These options are most effective and best for your care when done as soon as possible. Learn more about the first five days after an assault.

How long after an incident can I make this choice?	What are my medical options?	Where can this care be accessed?
Up to 3 days (optimally within 6-12 hours)	Screening for drug-facilitated sexual assault	Hospital emergency room
Up to 3 days	STI & HIV treatment and prevention medication	Hospital emergency room or Health Services
Up to 4 days	Medical evidence collection kit	Hospital emergency room
Up to 5 days	Emergency contraception for pregnancy prevention	Hospital emergency room or Health Services
For testing and evidence collection: Try to preserve all evidence of the assault. Avoid drinking, bathing, showering, douching, brushing your teeth, or changing your clothes.

Definitions: Confidential Resources and Reporting Requirements

Confidential Resources: cannot share your information without your expressed consent unless there is imminent danger to self or others or as otherwise required by law (e.g., mandatory reporting for sexual violence against minors). While Brown EMS is a confidential resource, the telephone number used to dispatch EMS is operated through the Brown Department of Public Safety (DPS) which is not a confidential resource.

Mandatory Reporters: are required to promptly share a disclosure of sexual assault, gender-based harassment, or other forms of sexual misconduct with the Title IX Office. The Title IX Coordinator then works to ensure that the individual feels safe and supported and has access to all of the available resources and support structures the University offers. These private, non-confidential disclosures will be shared with individuals on a need-to-know basis or as required by law.

Campus Security Authorities (CSA’s): Resources that must report Clery crimes on Clery geography immediately to DPS. They have significant responsibilities for student and campus activities. Confidential resources who are also designated as CSA’s can make de-identified reports to preserve student confidentiality.