SFPD, colleges join forces to stop sexual assault on campuses

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- A number of colleges in San Francisco are teaming up with police and the district attorney's office to raise awareness and stop sexual assaults on campuses.

The goal is for all colleges in the city to follow the same protocol when dealing with this type of crime.

The moment they step foot at the University of San Francisco, students are exposed to a website called Callisto, an online sexual assault reporting system where they can privately write down the details of the event.

"Callisto basically is a program where if someone was sexually assaulted they can report it online," said Shaya Kara, A USF student.

The student can then choose to report it right away, or later.

"Some students would want to go through the administrative process to hold someone accountable through university procedures, or they'll want to go through a criminal process with the SFPD or the D.A.'s office," said Anne Bartkowski of the University of San Francisco.

Police and the district attorney signed a memo of understanding with USF and UCSF, so that all agencies are on the same page when dealing with cases of sexual assault, so no matter who a victim approaches, she'll be treated the same.

"If they are the first point of contact that they know how to approach a victim," said Jane Kim, a San Francisco supervisor.

Some women don't report the assault for fear of the criminal process.

According to district attorney George Gascon 50 percent of sexual assaults on campuses occur between Labor Day and Thanksgiving, colleges call it the red zone.

"For the first time, they are getting away from home, they are in an environment that is more adult-like," Gascon said.

Freshman and sophomore women are the most vulnerable. Other private and public colleges in San Francisco are also expected to participate in this local coordination.