SafeCampus

What to Expect

What can I expect when I call?

A trained professional will listen in a non-judgmental, empathetic way. We’re here to offer support and guidance when you have concerns for yourself or others. You can tell us about something that happened or share your safety concerns. You’re welcome to say as much or as little as you want to.

Here are some of the questions we might ask:

  • What concerns do you have?
  • Can you tell me more about what’s been going on?
  • When did it happen?
  • Who was involved?
  • Do you have safety concerns for yourself or someone else?
  • What are you concerned might happen next?
  • Have you shared your concerns with anyone else?
  • What would you like to see happen?

What happens next?

We’ll listen and provide individualized safety plans tailored to each unique situation, and we’ll connect you with additional resources when needed. Depending on your situation, we may suggest taking immediate next steps for safety.

In some situations, we work with our campus partners and design a coordinated response. The SafeCampus team will evaluate the need for a formal violence-prevention team assessment with representatives of other UW departments as appropriate.

Can I call anonymously?

Yes, you can choose to not share your name or the name of the person you’re concerned about.

Is SafeCampus confidential?

SafeCampus is a private and discreet campus resource. We make every effort to protect the information that you share with us. You will be made aware if information needs to be shared with other UW individuals. We do not record information in an employee’s personnel file or student record. We’re happy to answer any questions about our process.

When can I call?

SafeCampus employees answer phones Monday – Friday (excluding UW holidays). Please see below for more information about hours.

Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., you will reach a SafeCampus employee. If we do not answer we are on another call, please leave a message, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. We recommend calling from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to ensure you speak directly with a SafeCampus employee.

Between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m., on UW holidays, & weekends,  you will be routed to our voicemail and a SafeCampus employee will reach out the next business day. Please leave your contact information. Please see our after-hours resource guide for support if you are in immediate need. 

Is calling SafeCampus a report to the University?

Calling SafeCampus is not the same as making a “formal” complaint/report to the University of Washington. You can call and consult with our office before choosing whether you want to make a formal complaint. If you want to learn more about formal complaints, visit the University of Washington’s Title IX Reporting Options page, the University of Washington’s Complaint Investigation and Resolution Office (UCIRO), or contact law enforcement. You can always consult with SafeCampus about your options.

Who does SafeCampus partner within risk assessment and response?

When necessary to assess the risk to the UW community, SafeCampus works with key partners in violence prevention and well-being, including confidential advocates, Title IX, Student Life, Human Resources, medical centers, law enforcement and security, mental health, and other University threat-assessment teams.

 

SafeCampus Team

Gillian Wickwire, MA, CTM
Director of SafeCampus

As the Director of SafeCampus, Gillian (she/her) directs the threat assessment & management work for the UW, as well as overseeing the violence prevention & response efforts of the SafeCampus program. She is a Certified Threat Manager™ and has 15 years of experience facilitating interdisciplinary threat assessments, providing consultation & one-on-one safety planning, and ensuring the University stays in alignment with best practices in violence prevention. For over two decades, Gillian has been advocating for those most impacted by gender-based violence and engaging in various forms of crisis response work, always with a trauma-informed approach. During her years in graduate school, Gillian developed an understanding of the multiplicity and intersection of identities that is crucial to violence prevention & response work. In her free time, Gillian loves reading, art shows, and watching gritty dramas w/ her two cats.

Natalie Dolci, LICSW
Senior Violence Prevention & Response Specialist                    

Natalie (she/her) began her anti-violence work while earning her degrees at Tulane University and has been working in gender-based violence prevention and response for over 16 years. She has provided direct services to survivors in community-based agencies, campus-based settings, and within the criminal justice system. Natalie has conducted local research and trained nationally on the role that the abusive use of technology plays in interpersonal violence, and how systems can improve their coordinated response. She is committed to relational work that focuses on the principles of equity and collaboration. In her free time, Natalie likes to travel, hike, and try new things.

Ryan Garcia, MSW
Violence Prevention & Response Specialist
Ryan (he/him) earned his Master of Social Work from UW in 2022. He is passionate about violence prevention and response work. He has held various positions in crisis response and care coordination settings prior to his two years spent at SafeCampus as an MSW student. Now, as an MSW team member, Ryan is currently working towards earning his independent clinical license (LICSW) and working with individuals who have experienced or are experiencing trauma, identity-based violence, and ideological violence. Ryan is also interested in the different forms violence may take and how it intersects with race, religion, identity, ability, and class. When he is not working, Ryan enjoys playing board games with friends and going on adventures with his partner and their dog, Murphy.

Fionna Cohen, MSW
Violence Prevention & Response Specialist
Fionna (she/her) has a Master’s in Social Work with a clinical focus from the University of Washington and is currently working towards her LICSW. Fionna’s work is grounded in a background of sociology and political advocacy. She enjoys working directly with individuals as they address and process challenging circumstances. Her work is also focused on advancing structural changes that lessen barriers to care and make people safer.  Fionna loves to hike, enjoy the Seattle outdoors, and explore the food scene.
Paige Sechrest
Paige Sechrest, PhD
Prevention, Education, & Communications Manager

In 2021, Paige (she/her) joined the SafeCampus team in a full-time capacity as the Prevention, Education & Communications Manager. Since 2018, Paige has worked as a training specialist for SafeCampus helping to create and implement the pioneering EPIC prevention education program, designed for UW academic student employees and postdoctoral scholars. Paige is passionate about community-based methods of responding to and preventing violence, quantitative & qualitative program evaluation, as well as Black political thought. Paige also has a doctorate in political science from UW. In addition, Paige is a poetry lover and a news enthusiast.

Dana Alvarado
Student Support Specialist – Response
Dana (she/her) is excited to join the team as a Student Support Specialist for SafeCampus. As an MSW student with a strong commitment to violence prevention, Dana approaches her role from a systems perspective. Originally from Utah, she holds a BA in Psychology and has worked with diverse populations in the past, equipping her with valuable insights into human behavior and relationships. Outside of work, Dana enjoys music-related activities, crafting, and exploring new restaurants with her partner. Her passion for the work, combined with her diverse interests and empathetic nature, promotes the safety and well-being of the community. 
Riley Kovacs
Student Support Specialist – Response
Riley (he/they) is a current graduate student at the UW School of Social Work, previously studying psychology and sociology at UW as an undergrad transfer student. Prior to grad school, he worked as a writing tutor, accessibility technician, systems specialist, and peer educator; much of his service background stems from his time volunteering at a mental health & recovery phone line. His clinical interests lie in working with LGBTQ+ youth and survivors of domestic violence, abuse, and stalking, and in considering how technology, digital communities, and social media influence the safety of these populations. Outside of work he enjoys archery, weightlifting, rescuing foster puppies, and playing too many video games.
Jason Mendoza Anaya
Student Support Specialist – Prevention
Jason (he/him) is is a graduate student at the UW School of Social Work. Jason received his BS in Forensic Psychology at Arizona State University. He also served in the Air Force for 10 years. During that time, he gained various experience that included running Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Programs. He currently interns at the Bellevue Fire CARES program. His SW interests include Justice Involved Defense, Forensic Social Work, and LGBTQ+ rights. On his free time, he enjoys weightlifting, reading, and watching horror movies.