We're here for you. You are not alone.

Enter our USC Survivor's Guide

A Survivor's Guide to Responding to Sexual Assault at USC

You've made it. Here, you can get information and potential next steps.

Reporting can seem daunting, so let's take it one step at a time.

Would you like to pursue a report?

For those not ready to report, Callisto is a great option.Callisto is a nonprofit organization aimed at stopping repeat offenders on college campuses and providing an encrypted data-base to report your assault anonymously with the option to opt into a matching system to match you survivors of the same perpetrator and offer you legal guidance.Survivors are stronger together, both in reporting and in feeling less alone.Even if you never end up reporting Callisto gives you the option to change your mind if you ever decide you want to. Callisto is not available on every college campus yet, but it is here at USC and survivors should take advantage of it.

The USC Survivor Support Community's mission is to create a community for healing where survivors and allies are safe, heard, supported, and not alone. The organization's weekly meetings are intended to cultivate an environment of healing, trauma education/support, and creating a safe space for survivors and allies to feel at home.Individuals do not need to claim the title of "survivor" to be in this club. Whether trying to process if what happened may have been assault, or if an ally who wants a supportive community and to advocate for change on campus, every student is welcome.

Anonymous Resources

These resources will not be shared without your permission by law

USC Counseling Mental Health (CMH)
CMH had a variety of therapy services available to anyone with USC Student Health Insurance to an outside therapist as well.(213) 740-9355

Office of the Ombuds
This office offers confidential ombuds, who act as a neutral, independent viewpoint to listen to a dispute or recount of an incident, and suggest resources and a path forward.UPC: (213) 821-9556
HSC: (323) 442-0382

Private Resources

These resources are mandatory reporters, and are required to report to EEO-TIX

Campus Support and Intervention (CSI)
This team assists current USC students, faculty and staff with problem-solving and providing options, as well as connecting students with other campus resources.(213) 740-0411

Office of Student Accesibility Services (OSAS)
OSAS holds the responsibility to ensure that all disabled students, regardless of standing or location, have equal access.(213) 740-0776

Student Equity and Inclusion Programs (SEIP)
SEIP is a collective of student development centers that offer support services and programs that focus on cultural intersectionality, community and student well-being.

Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention (RSVP)

You are not alone. USC has a unique program, RSVP, through Student Health where confidential services and support are offered. All services are included in the Student Health fee.

Advocates: RSVP offers confidential advocates available to discuss medical and reporting options, as well as to provide crisis support and survivor advocacy.
Direct Care: RSVP can assist you with and even accompany you for medical care including but not limited to SART/Forensic exams.
Support Services: RSVP can connect you with trauma-informed care with campus therapists and offer support groups, including culturally specific programming.
How to Contact: Call the 24/7 RSVP hotline at 213-740-9355 and request an advocate or schedule an appointment through mySHR.

Advocates

Advocates are individuals who receive formal training in how to support survivors through any process. Whether reporting to the police or to USC's Title IX office, advocate organizations can partner you with advisors who know what the processes look like and what to expect.Advocates are available through USC's Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention and Services (RSVP), outside services like Dordulian Law Group, or through local nonprofits such as Peace Over Violence and Promoting Awareness | Victim Empowerment. Read more about these resources below.

Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention and Services (RSVP)
Schedule an appointment with an RSVP advocate through the student health portal or call the hotline. RSVP had advocates and therapists who are available to help.As RSVP is a part of USC Student Health, they are able to work directly with various programs, resources and offices to provide students with a comprehensive support plan. This resource is also confidential and anonymous.Advocates from RSVP can also assist students with arranging for a Sexual Assault Response Team (SART)/Forensic Exam if needed.(213) 740-9355
Say: I need to speak to an advocate.

Dordulian Law Group
This group dedicates its time and resources specifically to survivors in dealing with sexual and domestic violence civil and legal suits. They also have two fully-certified advocates on staff and a clinical therapist available to clients.(818) 322-4056

Peace Over Violence
As a local nonprofit dedicated to sexual and domestic violence prevention, their programs include focuses in intervention, prevention, education and advocacy work.24-Hour Hotline: (213) 626-3393

Promoting Awareness | Victim Empowerment
This resource is an national nonprofit working to prevent sexual assault through education empowerment, awareness and by providing resources for survivors to heal.(877) 399-1346

The Title IX Process

The Title IX process can be a bit confusing... let's break it down so it's easy to understand.

Intake MeetingThe Initial Assessment involves an initial meeting with the Reporting Party — conducted in person, over the phone, or using live technology — about available resources (local law enforcement options, procedural choices, supportive measures,) and a chance to discuss the relevant Policy and Procedures. The University will also provide written details about internal and community resources, alternative and formal resolution methods, available supportive measures like Avoidance of Contact Directives and academic adjustments, potential disciplinary consequences for Policy violations, protections against retaliation, avenues to report retaliation concerns, the right to involve law enforcement optionally, and the importance of preserving evidence.
Formal ComplaintThe Formal Resolution process — which encompasses investigation, hearing, and appeal stages — begins with the submission of your written Formal Complaint to the EEOTIX office. This complaint accuses your Respondent of Sexual Misconduct and signifies that you'd like to start an investigation. The Formal Complaint can be delivered in person, by mail, or via email using the designated form, and you will be able to get help creating this from an advocate. You will be required to currently involved or attempting to be involved in the University's educational programs or activities when filing the Formal Complaint. (Additionally, the VP for EEO-TIX can, at their discretion and in consultation with relevant University stakeholders, file a Formal Complaint on behalf of an individual.) If you submit a Formal Complaint requesting an investigation for conduct falling under the Policy's scope, the EEO-TIX Office is obligated to conduct an investigation.
InvestigationInvestigation by a trained investigator free of conflict of interest or bias. During the investigation both parties provided an equal opportunity to present witnesses, including fact and expert witnesses, and other inculpatory and exculpatory evidence.
Evidence ReviewParties may review and respond to all information gathered in the investigation that is directly related to the allegations.
Investigative ReportInvestigative Report issued to both parties, which includes a determination whether the conduct alleged, if substantiated, requires a hearing with cross-examination.
Live HearingLive Hearing with: (1) cross-examination by the parties’ advisors (to the extent required by federal law), and (2) rules that limit what evidence that may be considered in making a determination of responsibility.
Notice of OutcomeNotice of Outcome issued to the parties with a determination of responsibility.
Sanctioning PanelSanctioning Panel convenes if there is a finding of responsibility to determine an appropriate sanction. Panel determined by status of Respondent.
AppealAppeal for: (1) procedural irregularity, (2) new evidence, or (3) conflict of interest or bias. Appellate authority determined by status of Respondent.