Letter to the Editor: UC working toward transparency in reporting sexual violence

The University of California appreciates hearing feedback from students about how to further improve communication regarding its sexual violence policies and practices. The Daily Bruin’s Chloe Lew makes a valid point that students need to know who they can trust after experiencing sexual violence and how to easily access that information. More information about this topic is available at the UCLA website for sexual violence prevention and response.

Addressing sexual violence is a priority at the UC. In June, UC President Janet Napolitano formed the President’s Task Force on Preventing and Responding to Sexual Violence and Sexual Assault and called for quick work to ensure the UC continues to maintain the highest standards of prevention, response and reporting.

As part of these efforts, the UC is implementing a comprehensive approach to addressing sexual violence on campuses, which includes a systemwide education and training program. This program will ensure that UC employees responsible for reporting sexual violence to the University, such as athletic coaches, faculty advisers, resident advisers and teaching assistants, understand their roles and have the proper training. Students will also receive education about sexual violence as well as information to help them understand which campus employees are responsible in reporting.

In January, the UC launched a new website dedicated to providing important information and resources on sexual violence prevention and response. These websites list examples of campus employees who are required to report, and we will further evaluate how to ensure this information is easily available to students and other campus community members.

The UC will continue to work to build a culture of trust and a transparent process for reporting and responding to incidents of sexual violence.

Vacca is the chief compliance and audit officer of UCOP.