Sexual Assault Resources

Cal Poly has many available resources if you have experienced a sexual assault or any other type of gender-based abuse.  Whether the event(s) occurred before you were a student or since you came to campus, we are here to help.  Please reach out to any of the following resources at any time. 

Click here to view the complete CSU Policy detailing the rights & resources for survivors of sexual assault, misconduct, exploitation, dating or domestic violence, and stalking under the CSU Nondiscrimination Policy.  

 

Organization/Department	Services Offered	Who They Report To
Safer Campus Advocate    805-756-6081  Location: Health Center, Building 27 Monday-Friday  8:30am-5:00pm  Schedule online  Email: safer@calpoly.edu	CONFIDENTIAL state-certified rape crisis and domestic violence counselors/advocates with expertise in the experiences of survivors and options available for legal, medical, and other resources.  Assistance applying for restraining orders.  Accompaniment to medical, legal, and Title IX appointments.  Assistance with reporting processes.  Assistance connecting with academic accommodations, housing, leaves of absence, etc.	No one
Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)  805-756-2511   Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm (24/7; crisis line after hours)  CAPS Website  Email: counseling@calpoly.edu  Location: Health Center Building 27	Free and confidential individual, group and partner therapy (for CP students)   Skill-building Workshops  Outreach & consultations  Community Referrals	No one
Lumina Alliance  (Previously RISE & Stand Strong)  805-545-8888 (24/7)  Location: 51 Zaca Ln #100, SLO Email:  contact@LuminaAlliance.org   Website	24-Hour crisis services.   Free counseling/therapy  Legal & advocacy services.  SART exams & restraining orders.  Shelter services  Emergency and transitional housing  Bilingual services	No one
Civil Rights & Compliance Office  Kaitlyn Blakey  Director, Civil Rights & Title IX Coordinator/DHR Administrator  805-756-6770  Email:  equalopportunity@calpoly.edu  Civil Rights & Compliance Office   Location: Building 33, Room 290	Report any sexual assault involving a member of the Cal Poly community (as student, staff, faculty).  Access academic and other accommodations for survivors.   Discuss other options/referrals available.	Title IX Director
Health Services  805-756-1211  Email: health@calpoly.edu  Cal Poly Health Services   Location: Building 27	Medical Evaluation  STI screening and treatment.	Cal Poly Police Department    *student does NOT have to talk to officer
Cal Poly Police Department  805-756-2281  Cal Poly Police  Location:  Building 36	File a report.   Student can request to remain a confidential witness.	Title IX Coordinator

* While Safer Advocates and CAPS Counselors are confidential, most Cal Poly staff & faculty are considered Campus Security Authorities (CSA). As such, CSAs are required to report cases of sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking to Cal Poly Police Department. Students are not required to speak with officers. CSAs include campus police, individuals with responsibility for campus security, and officials responsible for student activities such as student housing, student discipline, campus judicial proceedings, and most staff members who work directly with students.

 

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I EXPERIENCE SEXUAL ASSAULT, AN EPISODE OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE, OR STALKING? 

1. Get to a safe place. This can include going to your dorm room/apartment, a friend’s house, your car, the police station, a hospital/medical clinic, etc.  
2. Consider talking to someone you trust.  This can be a friend, roommate, or counselor. Safer Campus Advocates are confidential resources who can help you understand what options are available to you and connect you to any needed resources. 
3. Consider connecting with a campus advocate. Safer advocates are confidential and can help you navigate your options moving forward. Our advocates will never tell you what to do but will present you with all of your options. They hold expertise in interpersonal trauma and can help you to understand possible responses. To schedule an appointment, often available same day go to this site.  
4. Consider getting medical attention (as applicable).  A medical provider can provide treatment for any physical injuries and can also provide emergency contraception and testing/treatment for STIs.  It is important to remember that if you disclose the assault to a medical provider, they are required to contact police. You do not need to disclose the assault to seek the medical services above. You can also consider obtaining a forensic SART exam.  For more information about this option, please refer to the Safer Survivor Resource Packet.  
5. Remember that the assault, episode of violence, or stalking was not your fault.  It is common for people who experience these types of trauma to wonder what they could have done to prevent it, especially as this may give them the illusion of having some kind of control over it. However, it is important to keep in mind that the person who caused harm is the one who chose to act in a violent way and is the only one responsible. 
6. Remember that your reactions to the trauma are understandable based on your individual experiences.  Speaking with a professional who is trained in the treatment of trauma can help to provide additional perspectives on why you are having specific reactions, especially if those reactions are confusing or upsetting. 
7. How Can I Help Prevent Sexual Violence? Click here to learn more.