What Is Advocacy?

What do Safer Advocates offer?

Safer's Campus Advocates are extensively trained on the dynamics of gender- and power-based violence and survivor-centered empowerment & healing. All of our advocates are certified through the state of California for sexual assault & domestic violence crisis intervention, support & advocacy. We offer:

• Safety planning
• Accompaniments to health centers, law enforcement interviews, university administrative appointments, faculty office hours, etc.
• Information on and guidance throughout various reporting processes (law enforcement, Title IX, etc.) if the survivor chooses to report
• Assistance with necessary accommodations to the living and learning environment
• Not Anymore alternative training accommodations
• Connection to resources on campus & in the community

We strive to be a safe place to discuss your experience on your own terms. We do not provide therapy services. We are here to listen, empower & support you, as well as help facilitate decision-making. If you are interested in long-term therapy, your Advocate can help facilitate referrals.

You are the expert of your own experience. We will not tell you what to do or make decisions on your behalf – we are here to help you navigate resources available to you and empower you on your path to healing. 

Confidentiality

We are a confidential resource, meaning we do not share any of your information with the university without your explicit consent.

Our confidentiality means that your story & experience is safe with us. We do not report to Title IX or law enforcement. This includes your identity as a survivor, your personal details, your documentation status, and any other information shared with us. Our only limitation is as mandated reporters for suspected child abuse, or harm to self or others. Please email us at safer@calpoly.edu or call 805-756-2282 with any questions about our confidentiality.

Research indicates that working with an Advocate: 

• Reduces the experience of survivors being treated "cold or impersonally" by medical, legal, or other entities​

• Increases survivor's access to medical and other support measures, such as STI and HIV information and prophylactic treatment, pregnancy testing, emergency contraception and further accommodations​

• Increases reporting metrics – including having the report taken by investigators, investigated further and continued engagement ​of the survivor through the reporting process 

• Survivors are less likely than others to blame themselves for the sexual assault and less reluctant to seek further help from community response systems. 

Things to Know

• Safer is a resource for all students, faculty, and staff members at Cal Poly.
• All of our services are free of charge.
• We are separate from Title IX and law enforcement and do not process reports or facilitate investigations; we are here to listen, validate, support and advocate for survivors.