The SAFE Place
A Safe, Confidential Space for Survivors
The SAFE Place is a survivor-focused, trauma-informed program providing free and confidential support services for individuals impacted by sexual assault, intimate partner violence, stalking and sexual harassment.
We serve all members of the SFSU community through advocacy, education and empowerment. Our approach is rooted in social justice and anti-oppression, recognizing that sexual violence affects all people regardless of identity, background or experience.
SAFE helps survivors determine their own path toward healing by reviewing options for reporting, medical care, counseling and alternative healing resources, empowering every survivor to make choices that feel right for them.
SAFE Place Mission
Empowering and supporting survivors through advocacy and to end sexual violence.
SAFE Place Services
Overview of all the services and support that the SAFE place offers SFSU students.
The SAFE Place supports students who have experienced gender-based violence including sexual assault, harassment and exploitation, intimate/domestic violence and stalking.
We meet with students to provide 1:1 crisis counseling for students needing immediate support. In this meeting, we listen without judgement – feel free to share what you are comfortable with! We will inform you of your rights, discuss resources, processes and reporting options if interested, and immediate response resources. We will also advocate on your behalf to reporting agencies such as University Police and Title IX. We can also help with requesting support for academic or housing challenges.
Legal and Judicial Options
- San Francisco County Courts
- Court-ordered restraining orders
- Filing cases involving legal action against a person who caused harm
Title IX / Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
- Intakes, supportive measures and investigation process for incidents of sexual harassment, discrimination or assault
Law Enforcement
- Reporting to University Police Department (UPD) or San Francisco Police Department (SFPD)
Campus Partners and Support Services
- Basic Needs Initiative
- Food, housing and financial-crisis support for students
- Academic advising and retention
- Academic guidance, course adjustments and withdrawal support
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
- Confidential counseling, trauma-informed care and mental health support
- Financial Aid Office
Additional Resources
- LinkTree
- Disability Programs and Resource Center (DPRC)
- Associated Students Legal Resource Center
- Off-campus advocacy partners (e.g., SFWAR – San Francisco Women Against Rape)
San Francisco State University is committed to fostering a campus culture grounded in care, respect and accountability. The Division of Student Life and the Care and Support area provide educational programming designed to promote wellness, healthy relationships and community responsibility.
Available Sessions:
- Healthy Boundaries
Explore how to identify, communicate and respect personal boundaries in friendships, relationships and campus life. This session encourages self-awareness, assertive communication and empathy in navigating shared spaces and experiences. - Consent
Learn about affirmative consent, power dynamics and how to cultivate a culture of respect and safety at SFSU. This interactive session covers real-world scenarios, bystander strategies and campus resources available for support. - Restorative Justice
An introduction to restorative practices that emphasize healing, accountability and rebuilding trust after harm. This session highlights how communities can respond to conflict in ways that center empathy and transformation over punishment. - To Request a Session:
Workshops can be facilitated by trained staff and in partnership with various campus partners. Contact us by email at safeplace@sfsu.edu to request a consultative session or collaborate on a tailored program.
The SAFE Place works collaboratively with campus partners to:
- Promote a culture of consent, respect and inclusion.
- Provide education and prevention programming.
- Support survivors and their allies with compassion and empowerment.
- Foster an environment where all members of the SFSU community feel safe and supported.
Healing begins with being believed, supported and respected.
Help from the SAFE Place
After experiencing a traumatic incident, I was struggling with anxiety and thought about taking a break from school. A friend walked me to The SAFE Place, and it truly changed my life. The survivor advocate listened to me with empathy and believed me. She helped me understand my options and even went with me to file a report when I was ready. With their counseling and support, I managed to finish the semester strong. I’m so grateful that SF State has these resources – they made me feel safe and empowered to keep going.
Get in Touch
Make an appointment or plan to walk-in, get after hours support and learn how we are committed to your confidentiality.
The SAFE Place advocate is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Location: Student Services Building, Suite 403
Email: safeplace@sfsu.edu
Phone: (415) 694-3825
Appointments and walk-in support are available during business hours. Survivors can meet with an advocate for confidential guidance, resource connection and immediate support.
If The SAFE Place is closed:
- SFWAR (San Francisco Women Against Rape) provides 24/7 advocacy and crisis services by phone at (415) 647-RAPE (7273).
- For emergencies, contact University Police Department (UPD) by phone at (415) 338-2222.
- To report through university channels, contact the Title IX Office / Equity Programs and Compliance
The SAFE Place is a confidential resource. This means survivors can receive services without that information being shared with outside parties, including parents, partners, faculty or others, unless the survivor provides written, signed consent.
This confidentiality ensures survivors can seek help safely, with full control over what information is shared and with whom.
SAFE cannot confirm or deny whether someone has sought services without explicit consent.
The SAFE Place is a confidential resource. That means that when you come speak with our team, we are confidential and do not report the details of the conversation to formal university officials (unless there's an immediate threat of harm or there's elder or minor abuse that is happening).
If you'd like to report the situation you are experiencing officially, you can do so by contacting:
University Police: (415) 338-7222
Office of Civil Rights and Title IX
We warmly welcome you to reach out to the SAFE Place Team and request a support person to go with you to UPD, OCR/Title IX or a local police precinct.
Support for Friends and Family
Supporting a survivor can feel overwhelming, and how you respond matters deeply. The SAFE Place provides guidance for friends, family members and support networks seeking to respond with compassion and care.
- Encourage immediate professional help if your friend or child shows suicidal thoughts or emotional distress.
- Take care of yourself — learn about sexual assault, trauma and healing.
- Separate anger at the abuser from frustration with your loved one’s choices.
- Respect privacy and boundaries; healing takes time and space.
- “It’s not your fault.” — Survivors often blame themselves.
- “How can I help you?” — This gives them choice and control.
- “I support your choices.” — Reassure them they have agency and are believed.
- Don’t criticize, minimize or question what happened.
- Don’t express sympathy for the abuser.
- Don’t ask “why” questions, they can feel like blame.