Deciding whether to file a formal report
Any member of the UC community can report sexual harassment or sexual violence to the University, including students, employees, and third parties such as patients, visitors and volunteers. The decision to file a formal report or complaint is a personal choice. We’re here to help you understand your options and the resources available, whether you decide to report or not.
For students, your confidential campus CARE advocate can explain your options in detail and answer questions, so you can make the decision that’s right for you. Talking to the advocate doesn’t constitute filing an official report about sexual violence. The details of your experience won’t be shared with anyone without your permission.
For faculty members, other academic appointees and staff employees, contact the experienced staff on your campus for confidential counseling and help, and information about where to go to file a report. Faculty members may also contact their Academic Personnel Office regarding their academic rights.
If you choose to file a formal report
The chart below shows reporting options and what to expect.
| Options | Will my information be confidential? | Can I request a forensic medical exam? | Will there be an investigation? | Will there be disciplinary action for the accused? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Formal report with campus (such as with Title IX officer) |
Your privacy will be protected to the extent permitted by law and UC policies. Some UC personnel involved in your case will have access to your information, and your name will be shared with the respondent if there’s an investigation. |
Yes, you can ask for a referral to have a forensic medical exam. In some cases, physical evidence may assist an investigation. | It depends on the information given and facts of the situation. In many cases, there is an investigation. | Possibly, depending on the findings of an investigation. |
| Police report | Your name won’t be disclosed, if you request that it remain confidential. However, be aware that if the case advances to a court trial, your name would be included in court records, which are public documents. | Yes, you can ask for a referral to have a forensic medical exam. In some cases, physical evidence may assist an investigation. | It depends on the information given and facts of the situation. In many cases, there is an investigation. | Possibly, depending on the findings of an investigation. |
| Anonymous reporting | Yes | Yes, you can ask for a referral to have a forensic medical exam. | Depends on the information given. | Depends on the information given. |
If you choose not to report
UC resources are available for you.
If you are a student, you may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, San Francisco, or contact them at:
U.S. Department of Education
Office for Civil Rights, San Francisco
50 United Nations Plaza
Mail Box 1200, Room 1545
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: (415) 486-5555
TDD: (800) 877-8339
Email: ocr.sanfrancisco@ed.gov
If you are an employee, you may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, San Francisco, or contact them at:
U.S. Department of Education
Office for Civil Rights, San Francisco
50 United Nations Plaza
Mail Box 1200, Room 1545
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: (415) 486-5555
TDD: (800) 877-8339
Email: ocr.sanfrancisco@ed.gov
Employees may also file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department or contact them at:
California Civil Rights Department
651 Bannon Street, Suite 200
Sacramento, CA 95811
Phone: (800) 884-1684
TTY: (800) 700-232 or California's Relay Service at 711
Email: contact.center@calcivilrights.ca.gov
If you are a patient, you may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights, or contact them at:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Office for Civil Rights
200 Independence Avenue SW
Washington, D.C. 20201
Phone: (800) 368-1019
TTD: (800) 537-7697
You may also file a complaint with the California Department of Public Health’s Regional Office.
If you are a clinical resident or fellow, you may file a complaint related to a medical education program (for example, for failure to prevent or appropriately respond to sexual harassment) with the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).