Supporting Diverse Communities
How We Can Support You
At CARE, we understand that healing from trauma is a personal journey. We operate on a trauma-informed and empowerment model, recognizing that traumatic experiences often intersect with other forms of oppression. Healing from trauma is not one-size-fits-all. Our mission is to provide a safe and supportive environment for all individuals, regardless of their background, identity, or experiences.
Make an appointment today by filling out our appointment request form. You can view the sections below for more information about how survivorship intersects with different identities. Under each section, we added some identity-specific resources; we encourage you to tap into additional resources and empower you to build your support network. For more resources check out our CARE’s resources page.
Our Commitment to Inclusivity
We believe there is power in acknowledging and validating every person’s unique experiences and identities. CARE services are catered to the diverse needs of different communities. Whether you’re a graduate student, undocumented, living with different abilities, a person of color, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, a male survivor, and/or a survivor with intersectional identities, we are here to support you.
Support and Resources
Graduate Students
Graduate students may experience acute barriers due to the unique positionality graduate students often hold within the university. More often than not, graduate students are both students and employees.
Graduate students, while students themselves, also hold academic employment positions like Teaching Assistant (TA), Graduate Student Researchers (GSR), or Graduate Student Instructors (GSI).
Graduate students’ barriers may include holding a unique position within the university setting, often juggling academic responsibilities and professional roles. Due to this dual role, graduate students may feel the resources on campus do not fit their needs. CARE tailors our services to address these specific challenges and provide comprehensive support. CARE wants to remind you that graduate students, like all members of the campus community, deserve safe and equitable working conditions. CARE can assist you in understanding your reporting options, connecting you to available resources, and providing emotional support. You matter and your role at the university does not excuse interpersonal violence.
Because graduate students are also employees of the university, they are “responsible employees” under University policy. This means that graduate students may be required to report incidents of interpersonal violence. CARE is available to support graduate students throughout the Title IX reporting process.
Resources for Grad Students
- Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT)
- Employee Assistance Program
- National Association of Graduate-Professional Students
- National Black Graduate and Professional Students Organization
- National Postdoctoral Association
- Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Education
- Office of the Ombuds
- UC Office of the President – Graduate Studies
- UndocuGrads
Undocumented Survivors
CARE recognizes the additional barriers that undocumented survivors may encounter when seeking support. These barriers include threats of calling ICE, isolation from support systems, fear of deportation, and lack of access to resources due to one’s legal status. CARE is dedicated to providing confidential and culturally sensitive services, ensuring that one’s legal status does not hinder access to resources or support.
Survivors with Different Abilities
For survivors with different abilities (visible or not), there may be heightened safety risks and concerns when experiencing interpersonal harm. These can include withholding medical access/medicine, instigating sexual activity without consent, stating that the survivor cannot live without the person who causes harm, and controlling finances. CARE’s services encompass a holistic approach to address these unique challenges, prioritizing survivor autonomy and well-being.
Resources for Survivors with Different Abilities
Survivors of Color
Communities of color often face systemic barriers and cultural stigmas that impact survivors’ access to reporting options and relevant services. Barriers such as cultural/religious beliefs, fear of confirming negative stereotypes and intersecting stigmas (ex. homophobia/transphobia and racism) can hinder survivors of color from seeking help. CARE strives to create a culturally responsive environment where survivors of color feel understood, validated, and supported without judgment.
Community & National Resources
- (Book) The Revolution Starts at Home: Confronting Intimate Violence Within Activist Communities by Ching-In Chen (Editor); Jai Dulani (Editor); Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha (Editor)
- National Sexual Violence Resource Center “Finding Mental Health Support for BIPOC Survivors”
- The National Organization of Sisters of Color Ending Sexual Assault (SCESA)
- UCSC Womxn’s Center
- Women of Color Network
Asian American Resources
African American/Black Resources
Latine/Hispanic Resources
Muslim Resources
Native American/American Indian Resources
LGBTQ+ Survivors
Members of the LGBTQ+ community may experience violence related to their identity, such as threats of outing, identity-based abuse, and misconceptions about abuse and gender. CARE is trained to navigate these complexities with sensitivity and respect, ensuring survivors receive affirming and empowering support.
Resources for LGBTQ+ Survivors
- BGD
- Center of Excellence of LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health Equity
- Diversity Center Santa Cruz County
- Forge
- Intersex Initiative (IPDX)
- Lambda Legal
- National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network
- Queer Women of Color Media Wire
- The Brown Boi Project
- The Hotline
- The Trevor Project
- Transgender Law Center
- UCSC’s Lionel Cantu Queer Center
- Visibility Project
Male/Masculine Identifying Survivors
Despite societal misconceptions, research shows that 1 in 6 men have experienced sexual violence. CARE services are inclusive and affirming, providing a safe space for male survivors to share their experiences, receive validation, and access the support they deserve. We challenge societal myths and stigma surrounding male/masculine identifying survivors of sexual violence and intimate partner abuse.
Note on Identity
Male/Masculine-identifying survivors, regardless of their sexual orientation, may experience confusion and fear about their sexual identity. Sexual orientation is complex, with various factors contributing to why someone identifies as heterosexual or a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Experts in human sexuality clarify that sexual abuse does not determine sexual orientation (for more information visit 1 in 6 Myths and Facts page). CARE advocates are here to provide non-judgmental support and guidance, reaffirming that survivors’ identities do not justify or excuse violence.
Resources for Male/Masculine Identifying Survivors
