Where to Get Support Quick Guide for Employees

This quick guide covers resources for employees (postdocs, staff, and faculty) of UC Berkeley who have experienced harm related to sexual violence and sexual harassment (SVSH) or who are supporting others. Some resources below are designated Confidential, others are offices of record. Survivors do not need to formally report to campus or the police, nor do they have to share anything they do not want to share, to receive confidential support. If you are unsure of where to start or have any questions about confidentiality and privilege, contact the PATH to Care Center.

You have options and can decide what's next. 

A safe place to start

The PATH to Care Center (Confidential) 

Affirming, empowering, confidential support for those who have experienced sexual harassment, emotional abuse, dating and intimate partner violence, sexual assault, stalking, and sexual exploitation. Advocates bring a non-judgmental, caring approach to exploring options, rights, accommodations, medical care, and other resources. Advocacy services and consultations are available to all current and former UC Berkeley staff, faculty, students, visitors, anyone who has been impacted by someone affiliated with UC Berkeley, and more.

  • Appointments: 510-642-1988.

Confidential Resources

Campus Resources (Confidential) 

​​Be Well At Work — Employee Assistance University Health Services (UHS) 

Free referral and consultation services, including workplace accommodation and protective leave consultations, for UC Berkeley staff, faculty, visiting scholars, and postdoctoral appointees.

  • Phone: 510-643-7754 

Staff Ombuds Office 

An independent department that provides impartial and informal conflict resolution and problem-solving services for all staff, non-senate academics, and faculty who perform management functions. The Staff Ombuds Office provides a safe place for individuals to voice and clarify concerns, understand conflict situations, and think through how they want to proceed at their own pace.

  • Phone: 510-642-7823 

The Ombuds Office For Students & Postdoctoral Appointees 

A confidential, neutral resource for navigating informal and formal options, with the goal of empowering students and postdocs to make choices that best fit their needs.

  • Phone: 510-642-5754

Off-Campus Resources (Confidential)

Family Violence Law Center (FVLC)

Support and legal assistance for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

  • 24/7 Crisis Line: 800-947-8301

Sexual Assault Response and Recovery Team (SARRT)

Hospital-based trauma-informed care for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking.

  • 24/7 Hotline: 510-534-9290

For more information about these and other resources, please visit svsh.berkeley.edu.

Medical Services

Individuals may wish to seek medical care to treat injuries, get tested for exposure to  sexually transmitted infections, or preserve forensic evidence. You can call the Care Line to speak with a confidential advocate, who can coordinate transportation to a  healthcare facility and accompany you throughout the process to provide support.  

Though otherwise confidential, medical staff are required to report to the police any physical evidence of a violent crime observed during a physical exam. Full emergency care; approved site for forensic evidence collection after sexual assault or relationship  violence. Evidence collection costs are covered for survivors of sexual and relationship violence.  

Highland Hospital  

Full emergency care; approved site for forensic evidence collection after sexual assault or relationship violence. Evidence collection costs are covered for survivors of sexual  and relationship violence.  

  • 24/7 Phone: 510-437-4800

  • Address: 1411 E 31st  St, Oakland, CA 94602  

University Health Services (UHS)/Tang Center Urgent Care  

Offers medical care to students regardless of insurance status. Provides treatment for potential injuries and to prevent sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy. UHS is not an approved site to provide forensic evidence collection, however staff can  coordinate that service with an approved hospital. Medical costs are covered for student survivors of sexual and relationship violence. For after-hours medical assistance, call UHS Advice Nurse at 51-643-7197.  

Evidence Collection  

Forensic evidence collection is a police process to collect and preserve possible  evidence of a crime, and can only be done at approved sites in the county where the  incident occurred. If a survivor of relationship violence or sexual assault is considering  pursuing criminal charges, it is best if evidence collection occurs in the first 72 hours,  the earlier the better. For best evidence collection, if possible:  

  • Leave the area where the harm occurred undisturbed.  

  • Place each clothing item in a separate paper bag (no plastic). 

  • Resist the urge to shower, bathe, wash hands, eat, drink or brush teeth.  

Reporting an Incident

For emergencies, dial 911. 

Contact the PATH to Care Center for confidential assistance and/or accompaniment with any of the options listed here.

Law Enforcement Reporting  

University Police Department (UCPD)

To report any crime that occurred on University property, contact UCPD. When a crime occurs somewhere else, UCPD can also help a survivor contact the appropriate agency.

  • 24/7 Emergency line: 510-642-3333

  • 24/7 Non-emergency line: 510-642-6760

  • Address: 1 Sproul Hall

Berkeley Police Department (BPD)

  • 24/7 Phone: 510-981-5900

  • Address: 2100 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way

Administrative Reporting to UC Berkeley  

The Office for the Prevention of Harassment & Discrimination (OPHD)

As UC Berkeley’s Title IX office, OPHD handles complaints of discrimination,  harassment, and sexual violence involving faculty, staff or students. OPHD can issue  interim measures which may include mutual no contact directives.

Obtaining A Protective / Restraining Order  

Survivors have the option to request a protective/restraining order from the civil division  of the Superior Court at any time. These civil court orders protect survivors who have  experienced or are in fear of physical violence, sexual assault, and/or stalking by  another individual. The Family Violence Law Center can help with this process, and can be contacted 24/7 at 800-947-8301.  

Responsible Employees  

Confidential Resources (see reverse) exist so that survivors can seek support and discuss options without the obligation to report to authorities. According to the UC SVSH Policy, any University employee who is not a Confidential Resource is a Responsible Employee, with a reporting obligation. Responsible Employees include, for example, Resident Assistants, GSIs, faculty, coaches, and others. You can make a report to OPHD using the online reporting webform on ophd.berkeley.edu

Have questions about the UC SVSH Policy or the Responsible Employee reporting obligations? Contact OPHD at 510-643-7985 or ask_ophd@berkeley.edu, or find more information at ophd.berkeley.edu