Sexual Harassment Reporting and Nondiscrimination Notice
University of California Notice of Nondiscrimination
The University of California and UCSF Health are committed to the principle of treating each community member with respect and dignity.
Across all of its locations, including clinical settings, the University prohibits discrimination and harassment, including sexual assault and other forms of sexual harassment. UCSF Health provides equal opportunities for all patients, applicants, employees, faculty members and students regardless of sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation or other legally protected characteristics. For more on the University's commitment to integrity, accountability and respect for all members of our community, please see the University's Statement of Ethical Values and Standards of Ethical Conduct.
How Patients Can Report Sexual Harassment
If you have experienced sexual harassment, please report it. To speak with the UCSF Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination, please call (415) 502-3400. You may also download a harassment complaint form online and email, mail or hand-deliver it to the office.
The UCSF Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination tries to protect people's privacy, while also fulfilling its obligations to respond appropriately to all reports it receives. In some situations, certain laws and University policies may require disclosure of reports to others, such as other University officials, licensing boards, law enforcement or other agencies. If you are unsure whether you want to file a report, we recommend contacting one of the following confidential resources first for advice and support:
- UCSF CARE Advocate Office
Serves interpersonal violence survivors
Phone: (415) 502-8802 - Trauma Recovery Center/Rape Treatment Center
Serves adult survivors of trauma, violence and loss
Phone: (415) 437-3000 - San Francisco Women Against Rape
Serves sexual assault survivors of all genders
Phone: (415) 647-7243 (24-hour crisis line) - W.O.M.A.N., Inc.
Serves interpersonal violence survivors
Phone: (415) 864-4722 (24-hour crisis line) - Community United Against Violence
Serves LGBTQI people dealing with violence or abuse
Phone: (415) 333-4357 (voicemail)
These organizations are not required to report instances of sexual harassment to the University.
The University reviews all reports of sexual harassment in accordance with its Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy and other applicable policies.
Other Ways to Report Sexual Misconduct
The following University office also accepts reports of sexual misconduct:
- UCSF Police Department
Phone: (415) 476-6911 (emergency) or (415) 476-1414 (non-emergency)
If you would prefer to file a complaint with an outside agency instead of, or in addition to, a complaint with the University, you can file a civil rights complaint with any of the following institutions:
- Medical Board of California
This website allows you to file a complaint about any California-licensed physician or midwife. To file a complaint online, visit the Department of Consumer Affair's website. - California Department of Consumer Affairs
This site allows you to access websites to file complaints about any health professional licensed in the state of California. - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights
The Office for Civil Rights works to ensure equal access to education and thorough enforcement of civil right protections on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability and age.
File a complaint online: Complaint portal
File a complaint by mail: Download a complaint form on the website and mail it to the following address.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Ave., SW
Room 509F, HHH Building
Washington, DC 20201
File a complaint by phone: (800) 368-1019 or (800) 537-7697 (TDD) - California Department of Public Health's Center for Health Care Quality (CHCQ)
The CHCQ Licensing and Certification Program at the California Department of Public Health has regulatory oversight of licensed and certified health care facilities and of certain types of health care professionals. CHCQ also investigates consumer complaints against the facilities and professionals within its purview.
File a complaint online: Cal Health Find database
File a complaint by mail or phone: Find the appropriate local office on the California Department of Public Health website - California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH)
DFEH will investigate a failure by an employer to comply with sexual harassment prevention training and education requirements, as well as incidents of discrimination in employment, business and other services.
File a complaint online: DFEH website
File a complaint by mail:
California Dept. of Fair Employment and Housing
2218 Kausen Dr., Suite 100
Elk Grove, CA 95758
File a complaint by phone: (800) 884-1684 (voice), (800) 700-2320 (TTY) or call the California Relay Service at 711
How to Provide General Feedback
UCSF Health is interested in hearing about your overall patient care experience. To provide general feedback about your visit or experience with a UCSF Health provider, or to communicate any complaint about unprofessional conduct, please contact Patient Relations.
How to Obtain Your Medical Records
You may request a copy of your medical records in person, online or by mail. For detailed instructions, visit Medical Records.
How to Find Language, Hearing and Visual Access Assistance
We provide free aids and services to help people with disabilities to communicate effectively with us, such as qualified sign language interpreters and written information in other formats (large print, audio, accessible electronic formats and other formats). We also provide free language services to people whose primary language is not English, such as qualified interpreters and information written in other languages. If you need these services, visit Interpreting Services.
Reporting Obligations of UC Personnel
All University employees are responsible for creating and maintaining the safe, supportive and respectful environment that our patients and colleagues expect and deserve. Additionally, under some circumstances, UCSF Health faculty and staff members are required by University policy to immediately report possible sexual harassment to the Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination. Even those who are not subject to a mandate are urged to immediately report information regarding possible sexual harassment directly to the office or anonymously to the compliance hotline.
For more information about your responsibility to report sexual harassment as a member of the UC community, see this FAQ about "responsible employees."
