UC Berkeley received 735 reports of sexual violence or sexual harassment, or SVSH, during the fiscal year 2025. Campus completed 34 SVSH investigations during the same period. 20 cases were adjudicated to find a policy violation and sanction, according to UC Berkeley\u2019s 2025 Civil Rights Annual Report.<\/p>\n
Across all case types handled within the Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination, 53 of the 1465 cases closed in fiscal year 2025 went to a formal investigation.<\/p>\n
About half of the cases were closed after initial assessments determined a lack of information. The report says most often, complainants are never identified or do not respond to outreach by campus.<\/p>\n
\u201cOPHD considers whether the alleged conduct could violate the UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment (SVSH) Policy or the Anti-Discrimination Policy, whether there is enough information to move forward, and whether the conduct has a connection to the university,\u201d said campus spokesperson Dee Mostofi in an email.<\/p>\n
Cases may be closed if the reported behavior does not have enough evidence of being a policy violation, is not covered by the policy or lacks enough information to move forward, Mostofi said.<\/p>\n
When cases go to a formal investigation, OPHD interviews both parties and witnesses, gathers evidence and issues a preliminary determination under the preponderance of the evidence standard.<\/p>\n
Complainants who do not go through a formal investigation can receive no-contact directives, including changes to class sections, access to temporary housing or academic adjustments, which can include excused absences or extra time, Mostofi said.<\/p>\n
She said investigations are typically completed within 90 business days, but the office\u2019s reported median is 117 days, according to the report.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt Berkeley, we are committed to working with students to ensure that reports of misconduct are dealt with fairly and effectively, that students get the support they need, and that those responding to complaints are treated with compassion,\u201d Mostofi said in the email.<\/p>\n
The PATH to Care Center provides confidential resources to survivors of sexual violence and sexual harassment. Services include accompanying survivors to medical care, safe housing and financial guidance.<\/p>\n
PATH to Care can also assist survivors in reporting to the police or to OPHD.<\/p>\n