Sexual Assault Prevention

The University of San Francisco recognizes that sexual assault is a serious issue. The University will not tolerate acts of sexual assault under any circumstances. Any USF student or employee who commits sexual assault will be subject to disciplinary action which may result in expulsion or suspension from the University in addition to any actions external authorities may undertake

With the consent of the victim, all reported sexual assaults will be investigated and appropriate disciplinary, legal action, or both, will be taken. Once an incident of sexual assault becomes known to any University official (employee) that person (with the exception of mental health counselors) has an obligation to report that incident to the Department Of Public Safety.

Upon receiving the report, an Officer will be assigned to conduct a preliminary investigation for reporting the incident to SFPD. SFPD will then assume full responsibility of any criminal investigation. Victims should be conscious of preserving evidence that may be useful during criminal prosecution.

Public Safety reports are confidential.

Victims should be encouraged to follow up with the University's Counseling and Psychological Services, Campus Ministry or other public and private services within the City. The University will make changes in a victim's academic and living situation if reasonably possible.

The Sexual Assault and Drug/Alcohol Policies can be found in their entirety in the FOGCUTTER, which is published and distributed annually.

Sexual Assault Prevention Tips

• Keep doors locked at all times.
• When moving into a house or apartment, change or re-key all locks.
• If door keys have been lost, change locks or re-key immediately.
• When returning home, have your keys ready and enter the house as quickly as possible
• If you sense that something is not right, do not go into your home or apartment. Call the police.
• Avoid going out alone at night.
• Do not leave clubs or night spots with strangers or invite them to your apartment or home.
• Do not give your name, phone number or address to a telephone caller.
• Never give a caller any reason to think you are home alone.
• Hang up on obscene or frightening phone calls. If they persist, blow a whistle loudly into the mouthpiece. Pick up the harassing phone call log and write down the date, time, and what was said and heard in each call.
• If threatening or obscene calls persist, report them to Public Safety.
• In public elevators: 
• Stand near the control panel.
• Familiarize yourself with the emergency buttons on the elevator.
• Look inside the elevator to be certain no one is hiding inside before getting on.
• Get off if someone suspicious enters. If you are worried about someone who is waiting for the elevator with you, pretend you forgot something, and do not get on it
• Do not enter an elevator if there is a person on it whom you are suspicious of. Wait for the next elevator.
• If you are attacked, push the alarm and as many floor buttons as possible.

• While walking:
• Try not to over load yourself with packages.
• Vary your daily routine.
• Avoid walking alone at night.
• Only walk on busy, well lighted streets.
• Do not walk too closely to the inside of a sidewalk, near bushes, alley entrance, driveways or entrances to private places.
• Do not walk through dark parking lots, parks or other dark places.
• Carry a whistle. You may pick up a free whistle at the Department of Public Safety main office in University Center Room 310 during normal business hours.
• If a car approaches and the driver bothers you, walk in the opposite direction.
• If someone asks you for directions from their car, walk over to a neighbor's house, open business or other well lighted place where there should be people to help you.
• If you arrive home by taxi or with a friend, ask them to wait until you are inside your home.
• Do not hitchhike or accept rides from strangers.