Confidential Resources, Anonymous Reporting, and Privacy

 

Depending on their roles at UC Berkeley, staff and faculty have varying reporting responsibilities and abilities to maintain confidentiality. In order to make informed choices, one should be aware of confidentiality and mandatory reporting requirements when consulting campus resources. 

Confidential Resources

Confidential resources exist in order to provide a safe space for individuals to discuss their options, learn about resources, and discuss any concerns before deciding to take next steps. According to University policy, individuals who consult with confidential resources are advised that their discussions are not considered reports of sexual harassment or sexual violence and that without additional action by the individual, the discussions will not result in any action by the University to resolve their concerns. Unless there is imminent risk of serious harm, they cannot share information without your express consent. Additionally, this information is not considered an official report to the university. 

Confidential, non-reporting resources include:

*Note: Ombuds Offices do not offer legal advice or mental health counseling. They do not have any formal authority to render decisions about issues brought to the office and do not participate in formal hearings or other formal processes.

State-certified crisis counselors and advocates are also available through non-UC community resources such as BAWAR and the Family Violence Law Center.

Anonymous Reporting

Anonymous reporting happens when you do not disclose your name or the identities of the other parties involved, nor request any action. Depending on what information is shared, action by the university may be limited.  The Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination (OPHD) will determine appropriate next steps as required by relevant laws and policies. To learn more, contact OPHD at 510-643-7985.

To make an anonymous report, you can use CalTIP (Berkeley's text-based anonymous reporting tool to report non-emergency criminal activity) by texting (510) 664-8477 (4-TIPS).

Confidentiality in Reporting Crimes

When reporting crimes to the police, individuals who are survivors (victims of crime) have rights, including protecting victim and witness information in police, arrest, and investigative reports. To learn more, ask the reporting officer about this option.

Privacy (from the UC Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence Policy)

The University shall protect the privacy of individuals involved in a report of sexual harassment or sexual violence to the extent permitted by law and University Policy. A report of sexual harassment or sexual violence may result in the gathering of extremely sensitive information about individuals in the University community. While such information is considered confidential, University policy regarding access to public records and disclosure of personal information may require disclosure of certain information concerning a report of sexual harassment or sexual violence. In such cases, every effort shall be made to redact the records in order to protect the privacy of individuals. An individual who has made a report of sexual harassment or sexual violence may be advised of sanctions imposed against the accused when the individual needs to be aware of the sanction in order for it to be fully effective (such as restrictions on communication or contact with the individual who made the report). In addition, when the offense involves a crime of violence or a non-forcible sex offense, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act permits disclosure to the complainant the final results of a disciplinary proceeding against the alleged accused, regardless of whether the University concluded that a violation was committed. Information regarding disciplinary action taken against the accused shall not be disclosed without the accused’s consent, unless permitted by law as noted above, or unless it is necessary to ensure compliance with the action or the safety of individuals. 
 

Responsible Employees

Responsible employees are individuals who must report incidents of sexual violence and/or harassment to the Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination (OPHD). If you confide in a responsible employee they must notify OPHD and may reveal details about you and/or the perpetrator. Many university officials are considered responsible employees including academic advisers, administrators, athletic coaches, GSIs, professors, resident advisors, supervisors/managers, and more. If you are concerned about maintaining confidentiality, please use confidential resources such as:

*Note: Ombuds Offices do not offer legal advice or mental health counseling. They do not have any formal authority to render decisions about issues brought to the office and do not participate in formal hearings or other formal processes.

 

 

University Health Services offers students after-hours emergency consultation with a counselor 
and crisis resource referrals by calling (855) 817-5667.