Your physical and emotional safety are important. If you've experienced sexual assault or relationship violence, know that what happened to you is not your fault. You have the right to decide if you'd like to speak with someone and who you want to speak with. USD offers a variety of resources for students, all of which are committed to create a safe space to listen to, validate and support you. All resources are available to students regardless of race, ethnicity, disability, immigration status, gender, sexual orientation, or religious affiliation.
Urgent and Medical Care
- Life Threatening: For life-threatening conditions, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (if you need assistance getting there call Public Safety at (619)-260-2222). The hospital can also provide general medical treatment. A medical exam could include treatment of any physical problems and various lab tests for sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy.
- Forensic Exam: After sexual violence, do not shower until you have considered whether to have a no-cost sexual assault forensic exam within 72 hours of the assault. Contact Center for Community Solutions at their 24-hour hotline (888-385-4657) or their general number (858-272-5777) for assistance in scheduling a forensic exam. You do not need to make a formal report or press charges to have a sexual assault forensic exam. Save the clothes you were wearing (unwashed) in a paper or cloth bag. After sexual violence, relationship violence, and/or stalking, take photos of any damage or injury and keep communication records (i.e. texts, emails, letters).
- SART Exam - A SART exam is the collection of evidence that entails interaction with Public Safety/SDPD, a police report and interaction with the County’s Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) at a medical facility off-campus. It is free and may be arranged through Public Safety or the San Diego Police Department. A confidential advocate from Center for Community Solutions will be made available to you. Consider having a family member or friend accompany you for additional support during the exam.
- Non-Participatory Report (NPR) - If a victim/survivor chooses not to report to law enforcement or to the University, they still have the right to receive medical treatment, advocacy services and an optional sexual assault forensic exam. In San Diego County, this exam is called a Non-Participatory Report (NPR). The evidence will not include the victim/survivor’s name. The victim/survivor can decline a copy of the report (history, findings) to be included with evidence. The NPR may or may not trigger an investigation (without the participation of the victim/survivor). The NPR is free of cost to the victim/survivor.
- Medical Check-Up: does not require a police report and does not collect evidence. Consider getting a medical exam at the Student Health Center (619-260-4595), by your primary care provider or a community health center focusing on reproductive health. An exam can include treatment of any physical problems and various lab tests for sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy (if there is a risk of pregnancy). Note that fees for STI testing and pregnancy can be waived by the Health Center if you disclose information about your experience or you indicate that you are connected with a CARE Advocate.
The USD Student Health Center does not administer emergency contraception (if there is a risk of pregnancy) or medicine to help prevent HIV (post-exposure prophylactics). They can refer you to services off-campus that provide these.
You can share as much or as little information as you are comfortable sharing with the health care provider.
Confidential Services
Information will not be shared with others without your expressed permission.
Campus Resources
- CARE Advocate (619-260-4655)
- An Advocate can help answer questions about the multiple processes involved in reporting, facilitate appropriate referrals to resources for USD students who have been impacted by sexual assault, harassment, and/or partner violence and are available to accompany students to Public Safety, and/or an interview with Law Enforcement.
- Counseling Center (619-260-4655)
- Serra Hall 300
- Staff psychologists are available to provide emotional support to students. Students in crisis or with urgent needs can be seen immediately on a walk-in basis. All information is confidential in a manner consistent with applicable law. This service is also available to those who have been accused of sexual misconduct. Counseling Center staff can also help students address academic concerns, contact professors, and/or coordinate other services on-campus.
- Center for Health & Wellness Promotion (619-260-4618)
- Hahn University Center 161
- Clinical staff in the Center for Health and Wellness Promotion are available to provide emotional support to students and can help to address academic concerns, contact professors, and/or coordinate other services on campus. (Be sure to ask to speak with a clinical staff member if you are seeking confidential support. When speaking to a clinical staff member all information is confidential in a manner consistent with applicable law.)
- University Ministry (619-260-4735)
- Founders Hall 20
- Clergy and pastoral counselors who work within University Ministry (excluding resident ministers) are available to provide confidential emotional support to students. Please click here for the University Ministry Pastoral CARE Directory.
San Diego Resources
- 24 Hour Crisis Hotline – 888-385-4657
- Center for Community Solutions – 858-272-5777
- Center for Community Solutions (CCS) is San Diego County's domestic violence and sexual assault emergency response agency. Crisis intervention services include but are not limited to; counseling, transitional housing, domestic violence victim advocacy, sexual assault victim advocacy, and legal services.
Private Services
Department of Public Safety – 619-260-2222 (24 hours)
Student Health Center – 619-260-4595
- Emergency after hours – 619-260-2222
- Maher Hall 140
- Student Health Center professional staff members are available for consultation, assessment, medical treatment, evaluation and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, as well as consultation for other health concerns.
Title IX Coordinator – 619-260-4594
- Maher Hall 101
- titleIX@sandiego.edu
- Responsible for coordinating USD’s compliance with Title IX which prohibits sex discrimination, including sexual or relationship violence. The Title IX Coordinator is available to meet with students or others as needed to provide information about options for complaint resolution, to facilitate an effective response to a complaint, and to address the way in which USD responds to incidents of alleged sexual misconduct and relationship violence.
Women's Commons – 619-260-2396
- Student Life Pavilion 420
- The Women's Center is a student-centered learning community that provides resources and engages women and men in educational dialogue around gender-related issues. The Center advocates for a safe, supportive campus environment that promotes equity among all voices. Staff members are available for consultation and to provide information and assistance in making a report and/or accessing support services on- and off-campus.
If you are in immediate danger, please call the San Diego Police Department – 911 (24 hours) or Department of Public Safety 619-260-2222 (24 hours)
Campus Accommodations
USD resources found on this website can assist students with accommodations as well as provide safety measures after an assault. The implementation of these measures typically is coordinated by or under the supervision of the Title IX Coordinator or Dean of Students.
These measures may include, but are not limited to:
- Implementation of a USD-issued no-contact order. A No Contact Order directs two (or more) students to avoid contact with one another both on campus and off campus. The contact to be avoided includes in person interaction as well as via phone, text, social media or through other parties. The No Contact Order is always provided to both (or all) parties equally. No Contact Orders are not a part of student conduct records, however violations of the No Contact Order may result in violations of the Student Code of Conduct.
- Academic Accommodations. Academic accommodations may include sending a letter from the Dean of Students (or designee) to professors indicating that the impacted student(s) are managing a sensitive personal matter at this time and requesting professor flexibility. This e-mail notification is sent as a courtesy and is not intended to suggest that the student be excused from any course requirements. Course related matters are to be negotiated between the faculty member and the student. Academic accommodations may also include reassigning a student to a different section of a course where possible, and/or communicating to a professor that it would be best if specific students not be placed in the same group for projects.
- Residential Accommodations. Residential accommodations may include moving impacted student(s) to another housing assignment either permanently or temporarily based upon the situation.
- Transportation Accommodations. On a case by case basis, the Department of Public Safety can provide safety escorts based specific safety concerns and on the availability of patrol units. DPS can also assist in arranging temporary parking based on specific safety concerns.
- Employment Accommodations. Employment accommodations for students working on campus may result in reassignment or shifting hours/schedules. This may also result in a temporary leave of absence (paid) if determined to be necessary based upon the situation.
- Safety Consultations with the Department of Public Safety. Safety consultations include reviewing safety/crime prevention tips and discussing the Women's Self Defense (R.A.D.) as applicable.
- Personal Protection Devices. DPS provides a mini personal protection alarm as applicable. The mini personal protection alarm provides a loud siren sound when activated and includes a LED light.
- On-Campus Escorts. Department of Public Safety provides safety escorts from dusk till dawn for anyone with safety concerns, based on the availability of patrol units.
Information for Undocumented Students
Undocumented students may face barriers to reporting an incident. As an undocumented student, you have rights!
- You will not be threatened with deportation by USD if you choose to report or seek support from a CARE Advocate: this is considered a violation of both Title IX and the Clery Act as it is an active discouragement from reporting.
- You can file a complaint anonymously: either with the federal government or USD. If you fear exposing your undocumented status you are under no obligation to include your name or identifying information in your complaint.
- You will not be asked to disclose your immigration status to USD administrators when reporting a sexual assault: this is considered intimidation and violates the Clery Act.
- You do have the right to report the crime to authorities. In cases such as these, sexual assault survivors can apply for a U-Visa which protects survivors working with law enforcement from being deported. U-Visas have a nationwide cap and can be difficult to obtain, however, you should not feel that you are limited in reporting―if you feel strongly about reporting the assault to the authorities a U-Visa is an option.
Update on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) as of January 2018
- If any of your rights are violated by your institution you have the right to file a federal complaint.
- If your DACA status expired already, you can submit your renewal application.
- If your DACA status will expire within 150 days or less, you can submit your renewal application.
- If your DACA has been expired for over a year, it may be possible to submit a new DACA application.
- If you have NEVER had DACA status before, you CANNOT apply for it at this time.
En español
- Si tu estatus de DACA ya ha caducado, puedes solicitar una renovación.
- Si tu estatus de DACA caducará en los siguientes 150 días, y no antes, puedes solicitar una renovación.
- Si tu estatus de DACA caducó hace más que un año, es posible que podrías completar una nueva solicitud de DACA.
- Si NUNCA has tenido DACA, NO puedes solicitarlo en este momento.
Resources
Community Resources
San Diego Resources
- 24 Hour Crisis Hotline – 888-385-4657
- Center for Community Solutions – 858-272-5777
- Center for Community Solutions (CCS) is San Diego County's domestic violence and sexual assault emergency response agency. Crisis intervention services include but are not limited to; counseling, transitional housing, domestic violence victim advocacy, sexual assault victim advocacy, and legal services.
- 1in6 Online Support Group for Men
- These weekly chat-based support groups for adult male survivors are free, anonymous, and confidential. Each group is facilitated by a professional counselor and a trained moderator, who provide a safe space to discuss issues related to the effects of and recovery from unwanted or abusive sexual experiences. Support:
- Monday, Tuesday & Thursday | 4 - 5:30 p.m. PST
- Wednesday | 5 - 6:30 p.m. PST
- Friday | 9 - 10:30 a.m. PST
- These weekly chat-based support groups for adult male survivors are free, anonymous, and confidential. Each group is facilitated by a professional counselor and a trained moderator, who provide a safe space to discuss issues related to the effects of and recovery from unwanted or abusive sexual experiences. Support:
National Resources
If you are in immediate danger, of seriously harming yourself or being harmed by someone else, we recommend calling 911 or going to the nearest hospital emergency room. If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can help at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Prioritizing Health & Wellness
Be Well USD
Be Well USD is a caring and inclusive space for students, faculty, staff and families who are committed to the health and wellness of the USD community. You can find information and resources about life skills, mental health and suicide prevention on this website.