Cabrillo College encourages anyone who has experienced or witnessed gender-based discrimination or sexual misconduct to report it to the College and/or law enforcement. A report simply means sharing what happened with someone in a position of authority. Reports can be made online, in person, by phone, or by email.

To report an incident, please contact the Title IX/Civil Rights Compliance Officer or submit a completed reporting form.

Who Can File a Report?

Anyone may report gender-based discrimination or sexual misconduct to Cabrillo College, including students, faculty, staff, and members of the public.

You do not need to be personally involved in an incident to make a report. If you experienced something, witnessed something, or are concerned about something that may have happened to someone else, you are encouraged to reach out.

Cabrillo College follows a “See Something, Say Something, Do Something” model. This means we ask all members of our community to look out for one another and report misconduct that may affect the safety, well-being, and belonging of our campus community.

When Should I File a Report?

We encourage you to report incidents of gender-based discrimination or sexual misconduct as soon as you are able.

It is never too late to report sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking, dating violence, or domestic violence. However, timely reporting can help the College respond more effectively, conduct a thorough review, and connect you and others who may be affected with supportive resources.

Whenever you choose to report, Cabrillo College is here to support you.

Will My Report Be Confidential?

Cabrillo College understands that privacy can be an important consideration when deciding whether to report gender-based discrimination or sexual misconduct. Your information will be treated with care and shared only with those who need to know in order to respond, provide support, or meet the College’s responsibilities. However, not all College employees can promise confidentiality.

Responsible Cabrillo College employees, with the exception of confidential Student Health Services counselors, are required to share information they receive about sexual misconduct involving Cabrillo students or employees with the Title IX Coordinator. This allows the College to respond promptly and fairly, offer supportive resources, and address the matter under Cabrillo College’s resolution procedures.

When you make a report to the College, you may request confidentiality and/or ask the Title IX Coordinator to provide remedies and resources without starting a formal resolution process. The Title IX Coordinator will carefully consider your request and balance it with the College’s responsibility to address and remedy discrimination under Title IX.

In most cases, the College will be able to honor your wishes. However, the College may need to take additional action if there is a concern for campus safety, including situations involving weapons, violence, a pattern of behavior, predatory conduct, or threats by the person accused.

Where Should I File My Report?

You have options when deciding where to report sexual misconduct. You may report to Cabrillo College, to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Department, Cabrillo Division, or to both. You may file a report with the College and choose not to file a report with local law enforcement. If you are unsure where to begin, the College’s Title IX/Civil Rights Compliance Officer can help you understand your reporting options and, if you choose, assist you with filing a report with the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Department. Learn more about your reporting options.

Filing a Report with the College

To file a formal complaint with the College, please complete the form linked here. Any information you share with the Title IX Team will be treated with care, kept private, and shared only on a need-to-know basis. After you file a report, the Title IX/Civil Rights Compliance Officer will meet with you to review your options, answer your questions, and discuss available support. The Title IX Coordinator may be able to assist with changes to academic, work, or transportation arrangements. They may also put interim supportive or protective measures in place to help ensure that participating in a resolution process does not limit your access to education.

Filing a Report with the Sheriff's Office

You can report instances of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking to to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Department, Cabrillo Division in person or over the phone. If you choose not to report the incident immediately to the police, you can still make a report at a later date.

Office Location: Building 1185 (Located in Aptos on the lower campus near the soccer fields)

Dispatch Phone: (831) 471-1121

Sherriff's Office Phone: (831) 479-6314

Emergency: 9-1-1 (24 hours)

Sheriff's Office Website

Filing a Report with the Department of Education Office of Civil Rights

Students may also choose to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR). OCR accepts complaints involving discrimination or retaliation on the basis of sex or gender by covered educational institutions.

Filing a report or complaint with Cabrillo College does not prevent a student from filing a complaint with OCR. OCR complaints are generally required to be filed within 180 calendar days of the alleged discrimination, although limited exceptions may apply. The west coast OCR office is loacted in Seattle Washington.

Seattle Office

Office for Civil Rights

U.S. Department of Education

915 Second Avenue Room 3310

Seattle, WA 98174-1099

Telephone: 206-607-1600

FAX: 206-607-1601; TDD: 800-877-8339

Email: OCR.Seattle@ed.gov

Title IX Reporting

Cabrillo College encourages anyone who has experienced sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking to report the incident to the Title IX Coordinator as soon as they are able. Timely reporting can help the College respond appropriately, provide support, and review available options.

The Title IX Coordinator will meet with the reporting party to discuss their needs, explain available resources, and review possible next steps. These may include alternative resolution, a formal investigation, or other supportive measures.

When appropriate and reasonably available, the Title IX Coordinator may assist with changes to academic, work, or transportation arrangements. They may also put interim supportive or protective measures in place, such as no-contact directives, to help support safety and continued access to education.

Click here to submit a report.

Safety and Interim Measures

When necessary and appropriate, Cabrillo College can provide safety and interim supportive measures to help support and protect individuals involved in matters related to sexual harassment or sexual violence.

These measures may include no-contact directives, changes to class or work schedules, special parking or transportation arrangements, academic adjustments, or other support based on individual needs and circumstances.

Safety and interim supportive measures can be arranged through the Title IX Coordinator.

Protective / Restraining Orders

Reporting parties have the right to seek orders of protection, no-contact orders, restraining orders, or similar lawful orders issues by criminal, civil, or tribal courts, and may seek the help of the Santa Cruz Sheriff's Department, Cabrillo division in requesting and/or enforcing such orders.

Privacy and Confidentiality

A Note About Confidentiality

As you decide which resources feel right for you, it may be helpful to understand the difference between confidentiality and privacy. These terms sound similar, but they mean different things.

Confidentiality means that the information you share will generally not be shared with anyone else, except in very limited circumstances, such as when disclosure is necessary to prevent serious harm to you or others.

Privacy means that the information you share will be treated with care and shared only with a small number of people who need to know in order to respond, provide support, or meet the College’s responsibilities.

Most Cabrillo College employees can offer privacy, but not confidentiality, because they are required to share information they receive about sexual misconduct or gender-based harassment with the Title IX Coordinator. Confidential counselors in Student Health Services can provide confidential support. Cabrillo students and employees may also seek help from the confidential community resources listed below.

The Title IX Coordinator will treat any information received with discretion, sensitivity, and care. You are welcome to contact the Title IX Coordinator to talk through the difference between confidential and non-confidential resources and to find the support option that feels right for you. In that conversation, you may share as much or as little about your experience as you feel comfortable.

You may request confidentiality and/or ask the Title IX Coordinator to provide remedies and resources without starting a formal resolution process.

The Title IX Coordinator will carefully consider your request and balance it with the College’s responsibility to address and remedy discrimination under Title IX.

In most cases, the College will be able to honor your wishes. However, the College may need to take additional action if there is a concern for campus safety, including situations involving weapons, violence, a pattern of behavior, predatory conduct, or threatening conduct by the person accused.

Disciplinary and Remedial Measures

If the College determines that a Respondant has violated Cabrillo College policy, the College will take appropriate action to address the impact on the reporting party and the broader Cabrillo community.

Sanctions and remedial measures may vary depending on the circumstances of the case and whether the responding party is a student, staff member, or faculty member. Sanctions may range from a warning to expulsion for students or termination for employees.

Evidence Preservation

Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE)
A Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (sometimes called a “rape kit”) is a medical exam where forensic evidence may be collected from the body. This is a free service performed by a Sexual Assault Nuse Examiner at Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz County. Student Health Services does not conduct SAFE exams. Generally, exams are administered up to 10 days after an assault has occurred. Please consult with a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner about specific circumstances and options. Advocates at Monarch Services can help you connect with a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner.

Those seeking a forensic examination after sexual assault are entitled to an advocate present. In Santa Cruz County, Advocates from Monarch Services are available to accompany victims/survivors to Sexual Assault Forensic Examinations. You may reach an advocate at Monarch Services by calling their 24-hour Bilingual Hotline at 1-888-900-4232.

Non-Investigative Forensic Examinations
A Non-Investigative Forensic Examination is a Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) that does not include a police report. This exam allows a victim/survivor to receive medical attention, collect evidence, and decide at a later date if they would like to have the case investigated.

Physical Evidence

• If you have experienced a sexual assault, try to avoid showering, bathing, eating, drinking, washing your hands, or brushing your teeth until after you’ve had a SAFE exam.

• If you have already done the actions mentioned above, DNA and other evidence may still be collected from your body.

• Save any clothing you were wearing at the time of the assault and place each item in a separate paper bag (Don’t use plastic bags).

• Avoid cleaning or disturbing the area on your body that was harmed.

• You may request a urine test if you suspect that you’ve been drugged.

Digital Evidence

• Save all text messages, emails, social media postings (taking screenshots can be helpful), or anything else that might be helpful in reconstructing the events.

• If you’ve deleted text messages, you might be able to recover them if it’s still within the same billing period; contact your mobile service provider for more information.

• Write down the names of people who might have seen you immediately before or after the assault, as it’s easy to forget later.

Police Reporting

Individuals who have experienced sexual assault or harassment may choose to file a criminal report with local law enforcement. If someone chooses not to report to law enforcement right away, they may still make a report at a later date.

Incidents may be reported to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Department, Cabrillo Division, by calling (831) 471-1121 or 911 in an emergency. When appropriate, the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Department may also help an individual file a police report with another law enforcement agency.

The Title IX Coordinator can help you understand your reporting options and assist you with contacting the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Department if you choose.

Civil Options

Individuals may choose to seek civil remedies whether or not criminal charges or a Title IX complaint have been filed.

Civil remedies may provide an opportunity to seek damages, including monetary compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Because civil remedies are separate from the College’s Title IX process and the criminal legal process, individuals are encouraged to contact an attorney for guidance about their options.

Cabrillo College Procedures Regarding Title IX Reports

INTAKE
The Title IX Coordinator will meet with the Complainant to discuss their needs, review available options, and help connect them with supportive resources.

If the Complainant chooses to move forward with a campus resolution process, the next step is a preliminary inquiry. All resolution processes are conducted by campus officials who receive annual training on issues related to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, as well as training on how to conduct investigations and hearings that support safety, fairness, and accountability.

The College will protect the privacy of individuals involved in the process to the extent permitted by state and federal law. Title IX-related resolutions are not subject to publicly available recordkeeping requirements. Any release of information about a resolution will be made without including identifying information about the reporting party, to the extent permitted by law.

PRELIMNARY INQUIRY
During the preliminary inquiry, the College makes an initial determination about the allegations and whether the matter should move forward to a formal investigation.

This preliminary inquiry is sometimes called a prima facie assessment. In this step, the Title IX Office reviews the initial allegations to determine whether, if assumed to be true, they would meet the basic required elements of Cabrillo College’s policies prohibiting sex-based discrimination or misconduct.

If the allegations meet the prima facie standard, the College may move forward with a formal investigation or alternative resolution, as appropriate. If the allegations do not meet this standard, the matter may be dismissed from the Title IX resolution process. When that happens, the Title IX Office can still help connect individuals with supportive resources and explain any other available options.

RESOLUTION OPTIONS

Formal Investigation
An investigation is the process the Title IX Office uses to carefully review an allegation or complaint of sex-based discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence. The purpose of an investigation is to determine whether College policy has been violated and, if so, what steps the College may take to address the violation, support those affected, and help restore a safe and equitable learning and working environment. Trained investigators conduct investigations that are prompt, thorough, reliable, equitable, fair, and impartial. Investigators may interview the complainant, respondent, and relevant witnesses, and prepare a report that includes their findings and, when appropriate, sanctioning recommendations.

Informal Resolution
Informal Resolution is a voluntary, remedies-focused process for resolving complaints of prohibited conduct. It provides an alternative to a formal Title IX investigation when appropriate and when all required parties agree to participate. Informal Resolution is flexible in structure and is designed to help identify harm, prevent future harm, and explore meaningful ways to address and remedy the impact of the conduct.

Safety and Supportive Measures
We recognize that sexual violence and sexual harassment can affect a person’s mental health, sense of safety, and ability to fully participate in campus life.

Supportive measures are available to help students, and employees maintain access to their education, employment, and campus-related activities and events. You do not have to participate in a formal investigation or informal resolution to access safety and supportive resources. These measures are designed to support safety, well-being, and meaningful participation in the Cabrillo College community. To access these resources, contact the Title IX Coordinator.

FORMAL INVESTIGATION PROCESS
This investigation is an administrative proceeding; it is not a criminal process. This means that the investigation determines whether college policy has been violated.

Roles / Definitions
Complainant: the individual(s) making the allegation

Respondent: the individual(s) against whom the allegation is made who is responding to the allegation

Witness: an individual who has direct knowledge of or information about the allegation being made

Investigator: the individual charged with gathering information, including statements of the complainant, the respondent and witnesses, documents, texts, photos, pictures, images, and recordings, analyzing the information gathered, and determining by a preponderance of the evidence what happened.

Investigation Steps

1. Notification of Investigation: A written notice is sent to the Respondent and the Complainant, separately.

2. Interviews: An investigator interviews the Complainant and Respondent separately where each has the opportunity to submit evidence and identify witnesses.

3. Evidence and Witness interviews: The investigator collects evidence, interviews witnesses relevant to the reported incident.

4. Title IX issues a Summary of Finding and Preliminary Determination: A written notice of outcome is sent to both complainant and respondent along with acopy of the investigation report, and forwarded to the appropriate administrator for disciplinary action.

HEARING
If the investigator’s preliminary determination finds that the respondent violated College policy, a Hearing Officer will conduct a live, virtual hearing.

The hearing may include the parties, their advisors, and relevant witnesses. After the hearing, the Hearing Officer will issue a decision regarding responsibility. The parties will be informed in writing of the outcome of the resolution, without significant delay between the notifications to each party. This notice will include the procedures for appealing the decision, any change to the results that occurs prior to the time that such results become final, and when results are considered to be final.

STANDARD OF EVIDENCE
Cabrillo College uses the preponderance of the evidence standard. This means decision-makers consider whether, based on the available credible evidence, it is more likely than not that a policy violation occurred.

PAST HISTORY
An individual’s past sexual history or character is generally not considered during the resolution process unless it is determined to be highly relevant.

Any such information offered by a party or by the College will be presumed irrelevant unless evidence is provided showing that it is relevant. However, a pattern of behavior by a Respondent may be relevant to the finding and any sanction imposed. Both parties will be notified in advance if this type of information is determined to be relevant and will be considered during the process.

APPEALS
If either party is not satisfied with the results of the administrative determination, he/she may submit a written appeal to the Board of Trustees within 15 days of receiving notice of a final determination. The Board shall review the original complaint, the investigative report, the administrative decision, and the appeal. The Board shall issue a final decision on the matter within 45 days after receiving the appeal. All parties are included in any appeal reconsideration and have equal rights of participation. There is only one level of appeal. All appeals determinations made by the Board of Trustees are final.

Cabrillo College offers support services and resources to all members of the College community, including students, staff, and faculty, who may have experienced sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, or any other form of gender-based discrimination. You do not need to file a report with the College to access support.

Resources are available to both Complainants and Respondents, meaning students and employees who have experienced sexual misconduct and those who have been accused of misconduct. If you have questions or need help accessing any of these resources, please contact the Title IX/Civil Rights Compliance Officer.

Confidential Resources

A Note About Confidentiality

As you decide which resources feel right for you, it may be helpful to understand the difference between confidentiality and privacy. These terms sound similar, but they mean different things.

Confidentiality means that the information you share will generally not be shared with anyone else, except in very limited circumstances, such as when disclosure is necessary to prevent serious harm to you or others.

Privacy means that the information you share will be treated with care and shared only with a small number of people who need to know in order to respond, provide support, or meet the College’s responsibilities.

Most Cabrillo College employees can offer privacy, but not confidentiality, because they are required to share information they receive about sexual misconduct or gender-based harassment with the Title IX Coordinator. Confidential counselors in Student Health Services can provide confidential support. Cabrillo students and employees may also seek help from the confidential community resources listed below.

The Title IX Coordinator will treat any information received with discretion, sensitivity, and care. You are welcome to contact the Title IX Coordinator to talk through the difference between confidential and non-confidential resources and to find the support option that feels right for you. In that conversation, you may share as much or as little about your experience as you feel comfortable.

Student Health Services

Student Health Services can provide first aid, birth control, emergency contraceptives (morning after pill), confidential personal counseling, pregnancy tests and STI (sexually-transmitted infection) testing.
Phone: (831) 479-6435 (Aptos) | (831) 477-4738 (Watsonville)
E-mail: Healthservices@cabrillo.edu
Website: www.cabrillo.edu/services/health

Aptos Campus - Room 913

Watsonville - Student Recource Center A120

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

EAP is available to all Cabrillo employees and provides each user with six visits with a licensed counselor per issue with no co-payment required.
Phone: 1-800-999-7222
Website: http://www.cabrillo.edu/services/hr/eap.html

Community Resources

Monarch Services

Monarch Services offers 24-hour access to free, confidential, bilingual support for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Monarch Services also provides crisis counseling and emergency shelter.
24-Hour Bilingual Crisis line: 1-888-900-4232
Website: http://www.monarchscc.org/

Walnut Avenue Family and Women's Center

The Walnut Avenue Family and Women's Center offers 24-hour access to free, confidential, bilingual support for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The center also provides one-on-one peer advocacy, legal advocacy including help requesting restraining orders, and support groups.
24-Hour Bilingual Crisis line: 1-866-2MY-ALLY (1-866-269-2559)
Website: http://www.wafwc.org/

Planned Parenthood Watsonville Health Center

The Watsonville Health Center offers general health care, well woman exams, men's health services, family planning services, birth control, emergency contraception, HIV testing, pregnancy tests, and STI (sexually transmitted infection) testing, treatment, and vaccines.

Phone: 831-724-7525
Website: https://www.plannedparenthood.org
Location: 398 South Green Valley Road, Watsonville, CA 95076

Pajaro Valley Shelter Services

Pajaro Valley Shelter Services offers 24-hour access to emergency, temporary, and transitional housing.

Phone: (831) 728-5649
Website: http://pvshelter.org

General Procedure

How do I make a formal report of sex-based discrimination or sexual misconduct?

To begin a formal process, you will meet with the Title IX Coordinator or designee. During this meeting, the Title IX Coordinator will explain the College’s disciplinary process, answer your questions, and review available support options.

You will be asked to briefly share what happened, including information such as who was involved, what occurred, and where and when it happened. You may share as much information as you feel comfortable providing.

The Title IX Coordinator will also discuss supportive measures that may be available during the complaint resolution process. These may include academic flexibility requests, a no-contact directive, or other steps to support your safety, well-being, and continued access to education.

You have the right to have an advisor of your choice present during this meeting. Click here to submit a report.

How long does the meeting take?

Although each case is unique, the initial meeting generally takes approximately one hour.

What happens after the intake meeting with the Title IX Coordinator?

This depends on your specific case and your preference on how you would like to move forward. Review the Procedures Regarding Title IX Reports above for more details.

If I move forward wuth a formal investigation, what happens during the interview with the investigator?

Often there will be two people present during the interview. One, the investigator, will be primarily responsible for asking questions. The second person will serve as a witness and take notes during the interview. The investigator will ask for a detailed description of what occurred. They will also request the names of witnesses and any other evidence that you might have, such as text messages, emails, or photos.

You have the right to have an advisor of your choice present during the interview.

What does the advisor do during the process?

The role of the advisor is to offer support during the investigation process. The advisor can provide mental and emotional support and take notes during the interview. The advisor may not speak on your behalf or interfere with the interview in any way.

What happens after my interview with the investigator?

After your interview, the investigator will draft an interview summary. You will have the opportunity to review the summary and submit any corrections or other comments.

Privacy Practices

Who will be informed about my complaint?

The Title IX office only shares information on a need-to-know basis with those involved in the investigation and resolution of the complaint. During the formal complaint resolution process, the accused individual (respondent) and witnesses will be informed about your complaint.

If I am a student, will my professors know about my complaint?

Your instructors will only learn about your complaint if their participation is absolutely necessary in the investigation and resolution process. The Title IX office will make every effort to protect your privacy. For example, often complainants request interim academic measures such as extensions on assignments and rescheduled exams. In order to preserve the privacy of students, we work with the Dean of Student Services, who submits academic flexibility requests to faculty on behalf of the Title IX Office.

If I am an employee, will my supervisor know about my complaint?

Information about your complaint will not be shared with your supervisor or coworkers unless doing so is necessary for the investigation. For example, your supervisor may need to be informed about your complaint if you request interim measures such as adjustments to your work schedule or working conditions. A coworker may be informed of your complaint if he or she is a witness for the investigation. In all circumstances, the Title IX team will work to maintain your privacy to the greatest extent possible.

Legality Inquiries

Will there be a hearing?

Complaints of student to student discrimination or misconduct may go to a hearing. If, after completing a thorough investigation, the Title IX Coordinator finds it is more likely than not that the responding party violated college policies, the responding party may be referred to a disciplinary hearing as described in the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.

Complaints involving college employees do not go to a hearing. In these cases, the Vice President, Human Resources and Labor Relations will render an administrative finding based on the investigator's final report.

Do I have a right to appeal the decision?

If either party is not satisfied with the results of the administrative determination, they may submit a written appeal to the Board of Trustees within 15 days of receiving notice of a final determination. The Board will review the original complaint, the investigative report, the administrative decision, and the appeal. The Board will then issue a final decision within 45 days of receiving the appeal request. All parties are included in any appeal reconsideration and have equal rights of participation. There is only one level of appeal. All appeals determinations made by the Board of Trustees are final.

How long will the entire process take?

The length of the process depends on the facts of each case – for example, the number of witnesses, any college breaks, etc. – but the process should generally be completed within 180 business days.

How can the Title IX Office help me if I do not want to make a formal report?

The Title IX Coordinator can assist you even if you choose not to go through the formal college disciplinary process. The Coordinator can arrange interim measures such as academic support solutions (including note takers, changes to your academic schedule, or extra time to complete an assignment) safety plans, no-contact orders, and other solutions to assist you in achieving your educational goals.