Privacy & Confidentiality

The university will protect the privacy of individuals involved in a report of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence or stalking. The privacy interests of those involved will be protected in a manner consistent with the need to conduct a thorough investigation of the incident reported. Information will be shared only with those university officials who have a need to know the information to assist in the response to, investigation of and resolution of the complaint.

Confidentiality is different from privacy. Confidentiality means that the information regarding an incident of sexual misconduct reported to certain university officials will not be disclosed to others without the express permission of the individual who shared the information. UC San Diego offices that provide confidential resources include CARE, Student Health Services, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) and the Ombuds. Under California state law, medical professionals are considered “mandated reporters” of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence or stalking and are required to break confidentiality if they know that an injury is the result of abusive conduct. Additionally, an individual may make a report to the UC San Diego Police and request to be treated as a “confidential victim.”

Certain university employees, such as the Title IX Coordinator/Sexual Harassment Officer, managers, supervisors and other designated employees have an obligation to respond to reports of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking, even if the individual making the report requests that no action be taken. An individual’s request regarding the confidentiality of reports of sexual assault or harassment will be considered in determining an appropriate response; however, such requests will be considered in the dual contexts of the university’s legal obligation to ensure a working and learning environment free from sexual misconduct and the due process rights of the accused to be informed of the allegations and their source.