Foundations of Care, Respect & Healing for Survivors

At Santa Clara University, upon entering the Wellness Center, every survivor has the right to:

• Be heard, believed, and taken seriously when sharing experiences of sexual assault, dating or domestic violence, or stalking.
• Be free from blame: no survivor is ever at fault for the harm they experienced, no matter the circumstances.
• Share their story on their own terms, with the opportunity to limit how often and to whom they must recount their experience.
• Access compassionate, confidential support from trained advocates, counselors, and health care providers who are committed to survivor-centered care. This includes access to medical care, sexual health services, and sexual assault forensic exams (often called a “rape kit”) if desired.
• Decide what healing and justice look like for them; including whether to engage with the conduct process, legal system, both, or neither.
• Choose whether or not to report to local law enforcement, the University, or both, and to be supported in that choice without pressure, judgment, or expectation.
• Participate in any process that is fair, respectful, and trauma-informed, with clear communication and the opportunity to be heard without fear of harm, re-traumatization, or bias.
• Be protected from retaliation and receive support if safety or well-being are at risk because of coming forward or choosing not to.
• Engage in healing-focused programming: participate in workshops, support groups, and wellness programming designed to facilitate their healing journey and foster personal growth, and well-being
• Have the support of a person they trust throughout any process, including meetings and hearings.
• Honor their values, beliefs, and identity throughout their healing process.