Campus Advocacy, Resources, and Education (CARE) at the Sexual Assault Resource Center (SARC) at UC San Diego is your confidential on-campus resource dedicated to fostering a safe and respectful university environment. For individuals impacted by sexual assault, relationship violence, and stalking, the Ucsd Care Program provides critical support and advocacy. Beyond survivor support, CARE at SARC is proactive in delivering comprehensive prevention education and training programs for UC San Diego students, staff, faculty, organizations, and departments, aiming to cultivate a campus culture of respect and safety.
Recognizing the diverse needs of the UC San Diego community, the UCSD CARE Program offers free and confidential services to students, staff, and faculty. Whether you are a survivor yourself or supporting someone who has experienced sexual assault, relationship violence, or stalking, CARE at SARC is here to help. As the primary point of contact for those seeking assistance, the UCSD CARE Program provides advocacy, support services, and guidance through reporting options, ensuring that every member of the UC San Diego community has access to the resources they need.
Established in January 2015 as part of a UC system-wide initiative championed by UC President Janet Napolitano to standardize prevention and response to sexual violence, CARE at SARC evolved from the Sexual Assault Resource Center (SARC) to better reflect its expanded mission and commitment to the UC San Diego community. This name change underscores the program’s proactive approach to care and prevention alongside its established support services.
Our Mission: Building a Safe and Respectful Community
Since its inception in 1988, the UCSD CARE Program at SARC has been steadfast in its mission: to cultivate a safe and respectful UC San Diego community that unequivocally rejects sexual assault, relationship violence, and stalking. Through strategic policy development and collaborative partnerships across the campus, we are deeply committed to providing impactful education and comprehensive support services. Our core mission is to empower UC San Diego students, staff, and faculty, fostering a community where everyone feels safe, respected, and supported.
What We Do: Comprehensive Support and Proactive Education
The UCSD CARE Program operates on a dual approach, providing both direct support services for those impacted by violence and proactive education to prevent violence from occurring in the first place.
Confidential Support Services for Survivors
The UCSD CARE Program offers a wide range of free and confidential services designed to support registered UC San Diego students, staff, and faculty who are survivors of sexual assault, relationship violence, and stalking. These services extend to friends and family members seeking to support a survivor. Understanding the sensitive nature of these experiences, confidentiality is paramount, ensuring a safe space for individuals to seek help and healing. Our dedicated advocates provide personalized support, helping survivors navigate their options and access resources both on and off campus.
Education and Outreach: Prevention Through Empowerment
Prevention is a cornerstone of the UCSD CARE Program. We believe that education is key to creating a culture of respect and safety. The Sexual Assault Resource Center offers a diverse array of workshops and training programs focused on violence prevention for the entire UC San Diego campus community. These interactive sessions delve into crucial topics such as understanding healthy relationships, clarifying consent, online safety practices, effective bystander intervention strategies, and providing support to victims and survivors.
Furthermore, the UCSD CARE Program provides specialized training for student workers, staff, and faculty, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to respond appropriately and supportively to disclosures of sexual assault, relationship violence, or stalking. These trainings cover essential information on reporting procedures, relevant definitions, campus safety protocols, and understanding community dynamics related to violence prevention. To learn more about our comprehensive educational offerings and request a program for your department or group, please visit our program pages and program request form.
Our History: A Legacy of Advocacy and Support at UC San Diego
The UCSD CARE Program at the Sexual Assault Resource Center boasts a rich history of dedication to survivor support and violence prevention education. Established in 1988, the program has been a pioneering force in addressing campus sexual assault, relationship violence, and stalking. Its origins trace back to 1979, with a group of passionate staff and students advocating for rape prevention education and victim services under the initial name “Student Safety Awareness Program.” Starting with a single professional staff member and two student interns, CARE at SARC quickly evolved into one of the first comprehensive and independent campus victim services programs within the entire University of California system. From its inception, the program uniquely combined direct victim services with proactive campus-wide violence prevention initiatives.
As the need for services and education grew within the UC San Diego community, so did the UCSD CARE Program. The program’s impact has been significantly amplified by over $1,000,000 in federal grants. These grants have been instrumental in supporting innovative and impactful violence prevention campaigns, such as “UCSD Most Guys,” “Every Little BIT Counts,” and “Colors of CARE.” Federal funding has also enabled the program to expand its professional staff and enhance the direct services available to survivors, solidifying its role as a leading resource at UC San Diego.
In 2018, the UCSD CARE Program at UC San Diego proudly commemorated its 30th Anniversary, a significant milestone that celebrated, acknowledged, and reaffirmed its enduring commitment to creating a safe and respectful UC San Diego community. This anniversary marked three decades of unwavering dedication and service to the UC San Diego community.
Meet Our Team: Dedicated Professionals Committed to Your Well-being
The UCSD CARE Program is staffed by a team of highly qualified and compassionate professionals dedicated to supporting survivors and preventing violence on the UC San Diego campus. Each team member brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to creating a safer and more respectful environment for all. Below are just some of the dedicated individuals who make up the UCSD CARE Program team:
Marianne Frapwell, MSW, MBA
Director ([email protected]) she/her/hers
Marianne Frapwell joined the UCSD CARE Program as Director in 2021, bringing over a decade of experience and a strong commitment to community empowerment, trauma-informed practices, and sustainable movement-building. Her expertise is invaluable in leading the program and ensuring its continued growth and effectiveness.
Prior to UC San Diego, Marianne directed sexual and intimate partner violence prevention and advocacy services at Occidental College in Los Angeles. She also championed restorative justice initiatives on campus, demonstrating her commitment to holistic and community-based approaches to addressing harm. As a consultant, Marianne has worked with educational institutions and community agencies to design effective sexual violence prevention and response programs, integrating trauma-informed principles into service delivery. Her diverse background and extensive experience make her a highly effective leader for the UCSD CARE Program.
Cindy Villaflores, MSW
Assistant Director ([email protected]) she/her/hers
Cindy Villaflores has been an integral part of the UCSD CARE Program team since 2016, serving as Senior Advocate before becoming Assistant Director. With over a decade of advocacy experience, Cindy is deeply passionate about survivor support, utilizing empowerment-based, trauma-informed, and intersectional approaches. She provides crucial leadership to the CARE advocate team and oversees the program’s direct support services, ensuring high-quality care for survivors.
Before joining UC San Diego, Cindy served as the Sexual Assault Victim Advocate for the Navy’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program at Naval Base Point Loma (NBPL) and at the Center for Community Solutions, the local San Diego Rape Crisis Center. Her extensive experience in various settings strengthens her ability to lead and support the UCSD CARE Program‘s mission.
Liz Garcia-Cabrera, MSW
Senior Confidential Victim Advocate ([email protected]) she/her/hers
Liz Garcia-Cabrera has been providing direct services at the UCSD CARE Program since March 2015. Fluent in Spanish and English, Liz holds a Master of Social Work degree from Boston University and is a certified Victim Advocate. Her bilingual skills and multicultural background are particularly valuable in serving international students and diverse communities within UC San Diego.
Liz is passionate about creating safe spaces for survivors and empowering their choices. She is actively involved in outreach to international, transfer, and graduate students and facilitates workshops across campus. Her commitment to accessibility and inclusivity makes her a vital asset to the UCSD CARE Program.
Isaiah LeDonne, MS
Senior Confidential CARE Advocate ([email protected]) he/they
Isaiah LeDonne joined the UCSD CARE Program in May 2021. With a background in supporting LGBTQ+ youth and holding a Master of Science in Health Policy and Law from UCSF, Isaiah brings a unique perspective to survivor advocacy. Their expertise includes creating affirming care for intersectional identities and addressing policy issues related to accessibility and equity.
Isaiah is committed to providing inclusive and culturally competent support through the UCSD CARE Program. Their background in community health and health ethics further enhances their ability to advocate for survivors and promote systemic change.
Alassandra Marquez
Confidential CARE Advocate ([email protected]) she/they
Alassandra Marquez is a dedicated Confidential CARE Advocate, certified in Intimate Partner Abuse, Sexual Assault, and Human Trafficking Advocacy. Her experience includes providing crisis intervention and case management for survivors of gender-based violence, as well as working to combat online sexual exploitation.
As a first-generation college graduate, Alassandra is passionate about education and holistic health. She brings a strong commitment to empowering individuals on their healing journeys through the UCSD CARE Program.
Jessica Valencia
Training & Education Specialist ([email protected]) she/her/hers
Jessica Valencia’s involvement in sexual violence prevention began as a student activist. With a background in Women’s Studies and Spanish, Jessica is passionate about primary sexual violence prevention education and volunteer management.
As a Training & Education Specialist for the UCSD CARE Program, Jessica is dedicated to working collaboratively to end sexual violence and dismantle systems of oppression through education and community engagement.
Andi Thomas-Sanchez, MA
Training & Education Specialist ([email protected]) she/they
Andi Thomas-Sanchez has been involved in violence prevention since their college years, where they served as a peer educator. Holding a Master of Arts in Student Development Administration, Andi focuses on student development and empowerment in their approach to violence prevention.
As a Training & Education Specialist for the UCSD CARE Program, Andi is committed to shifting campus culture through education and creating a safer environment for all UC San Diego students.
Yessica Becerra, MSW
Intake & Program Coordinator ([email protected]) she/her/hers
Yessica Becerra joined the UCSD CARE Program in September 2022. With a Master of Social Work degree and experience in case management and client advocacy, Yessica is dedicated to making support services more accessible to those impacted by dating violence and providing violence prevention education.
As Intake & Program Coordinator, Yessica plays a vital role in connecting individuals with the resources and support they need through the UCSD CARE Program. Her passion for empowerment and accessibility makes her a valuable member of the team.
