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Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is Sexual Assault?What do you need if you are a victim of sexual assault? How do you help a victim of sexual assault? What happens when I contact the Women on Call program? Is there a group on campus dedicated to exploring women's issues? Is there a course of study at Bryant dedicated to exploring women's issues? Is the Gertrude Meth Hochberg Women's Center a Male Friendly space? Why would I want to visit the Gertrude Meth Hochberg Women's Center? What are the hours of operation and location of the Women's Center? How can I get involved with the Hochberg Women's Center? Who was Gertrude Meth Hochberg? I have additional questions; who can answer them?
What is Sexual Assault?According to Rhode Island law, Second Degree Sexual Assault includes fondling or sexual contact with a person’s genital area, inner thigh, buttocks, or breasts without that person’s consent. First Degree Sexual Assault, also known as rape, is defined in Rhode Island as forced or coerced penetration of the vagina, anus, or mouth by part of another person’s body or an object as part of a sexual act. Lack of consent is a major component of sexual assault. This may include physical resistance or verbal refusal, but the law also says that someone who is asleep or very drunk is unable to give consent. If you are Interested in finding out more about the issue of sexual assault, or if you or someone you know has been (or might have been) sexually assaulted there is help available:The Women on Call ProgramSeveral on and off campus Resources
What Do You Need If You Are A Victim Of Sexual Assault?A safe place…. Make certain you are not at risk for further assault. A physical exam… See a physician as soon as possible to make sure you are OK. Treatment for sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy prevention will be provided if appropriate. Ask about the use of Plan B, the emergency contraceptive pill for use in cases of sexual assault and other unprotected sexual encounters. Bryant Health Services will write a prescription for Plan B if necessary. Support… Talking to someone familiar with the issue of sexual assault is the best way to sort out your feelings and decide what to do next. Confidential support is available through the Women on Call Program, from your RA, Counseling Services, Health services, and the Women’s Center.
How Do You Help A Victim Of Sexual Assault?Stay calm and listen. Acknowledge the person’s feelings and concerns. Be supportive and non-judgmental. Believe the person. Don’t let your own feelings get in the way of helping . Let the person know the assault is not their fault.Do not confuse mistakes in judgment for blame. Sometimes people use poor judgment in situations that lead up to the assault. However, the assault is never the person’s fault. Encourage the person to seek help. Visit our Resources page for a list of services available. Remember that you may be emotionally affected when someone you know has been sexually assaulted. You may choose to get help for yourself.
What happens when I contact the Women on Call program?• Your call will be confidential • You will be able to speak with a female staff member trained in rape crisis prevention, counseling, and support • Should you prefer to speak to a man, one will be available • If it's necessary for the WOC to come to campus to meet with you she will • The WOC will help you decide if you want to go to the hospital and/or police, and if so, she will go with you • The WOC will be your advocate in explaining campus sexual assault policies and procedures, and will offer her support through the entire process
Is there a group on campus dedicated to exploring women's issues?
The Alliance for Women’s Awareness (AWA) at Bryant University strives to provide opportunities for women students and interested men to interact,
Is there a course of study at Bryant dedicated to exploring women's issues?Yes there is! The Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies Minor is an engaging, interdisciplinary approach to understanding the social and historical conditions of women. It’s also an opportunity to examine the ways in which gender intersects with race, class, ethnicity, age, and sexual orientation. And finally, it challenges the conventional ways of knowing about women’s and men’s lives and prepares students to do work to change systems that are unresponsive to women. For more information, contact Women’s Studies Program Coordinator, Professor Janet Dean at Jdean@bryant.edu.
Is the Gertrude Meth Hochberg Women's Center a Male Friendly space?
The Women's Center serves both female and male students at Bryant. Some of the reasons men come to us include: Relationship Counseling, Sexual Education, Help with Navigating Campus Life, and of course the Free Condoms. Here's what one male student had to say: “ I decided to check out the Sexuality Series and was psyched to see I wasn’t the only guy there. I actually learned a lot of stuff about female sexuality that I thought I already knew!”
Why would I want to visit the Gertrude Meth Hochberg Women's Center?
What are the hours of operation and location of the Women's Center?We are located on the 3rd floor of the Bryant Center, across from the office for The Archway, and the center is open during the Academic Year (September through June), Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. If you need immediate assistance related to Sexual Assault or Violence there is help available 24/7 (during the academic year) through the Women on Call Program. Call 401-258-4209.
How do I set a meeting to talk confidentially with Toby Simon, Director of the Hochberg Women's Center?The easiest way to setup a meeting with Toby is by contacting her assistant, Carolina, at Bryant extension 6854 or by email at cbogaert@bryant.edu . You may also stop by our office and make arrangements to speak privately with Toby.
How can I get involved with the Hochberg Women's Center?By participating in and/or attending the following programs and events:
Who Was Gertrude Meth Hochberg?
Gertrude helped to promote the University’s focus on educating and empowering women to achieve fulfilling careers – a continuous theme in Bryant’s history. A consummate professional and a devoted mother and wife, she served as a great mentor and role model, helping women realize that achieving a balance between a career and a loving family can indeed be accomplished.
I have additional questions; who can answer them?Visit our Contact page to get in touch with the Gertrude Meth Hochberg Women's Center Staff by phone or email; or to get information on where and when to visit us.
Women's Center Home Services & Events
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promote awareness and talk about topics of interest, AWA works in collaboration with The Women’s Center. AWA is actively involved on and off campus. On campus, the alliance co-sponsors the annual Sexuality Series, The Pink Lid Campaign, Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues, and Apollo Nights. Off campus, the alliance works collaboratively with the Northern Rhode Island YMCA and sponsors community service trips. AWA’s motto is: “We Take Matters in to Our Own Hands.” Membership is open to all members of the Bryant Community. To learn more about AWA get in touch with Aieshia Grant at 
Gertrude was an ardent advocate for women’s equality and achieved many “firsts” during her accomplished career as Vice President of Public Relations at Bryant which spanned from 1949-1977. Not only was she the first female vice president of a college or university in Rhode Island, but she was also the moving force behind Bryant’s first Commencement address given by a woman. She also organized Bryant’s first women’s symposium in 1963, a precursor to today’s Women’s Summit, and was appointed by the Governor to serve as chairperson of the Rhode Island Commission on the Status of Women in 1971 .
