You Deserve Safe, Empowering Work
If you are experiencing or have experienced domestic or intimate partner violence, please know that you are not alone. This page is designed to offer support, resources, and guidance as you navigate your career journey. Whether you’re seeking a fresh start, exploring new opportunities, or simply looking for someone to talk to, the Career Center is here for you. We are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and trauma-informed space to support your career goals—on your terms and at your pace.
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How Can the Career Center Help?
- Trauma-informed career coaching
- Support with resumes, job searching, navigating gaps, and safety-conscious employment planning
- Flexible appointment & accommodation options (in-person, virtual, phone, email, etc.)
Job Search Tips & Support
Set Your Priorities First
Before you begin applying, pause and reflect on your current needs and what feels most sustainable for you. Ask yourself:
- Do I need remote work or flexible hours to manage my schedule and safety?
- Would I feel safer in a smaller organization, a women-led workplace, or one with strong equity commitments?
- Do I need a steady income quickly, or can I explore internships, fellowships, or training programs that may lead to long-term opportunities?
- What kind of work environment or role would bring me purpose, peace, or stability right now?
It’s okay if your answers shift over time — your career path can grow alongside your healing journey.
Addressing Resume Gaps (if you choose to)
Many survivors have breaks in their work history due to safety, caregiving, or healing. You are not alone, and you don’t owe anyone your personal story. If you want to address resume gaps:
- Highlight transferable skills gained during this time (such as organizing, caregiving, advocacy, navigating systems, problem-solving).
- Use a skills-based (functional) resume format rather than chronological.
- List volunteer work, campus involvement, community projects, or freelance/short-term gigs to show initiative.
- Keep explanations short and neutral in interviews. For example: “I took time off for personal reasons and am now ready for this next chapter.”
Practice Safe Communication
When job searching, your safety and privacy come first.
- Use a safe phone number (Google Voice or a free app-based number) and a professional email account not connected to your personal accounts.
- Avoid including your home address on resumes; city/region only.
- Be mindful about what you share in applications and interviews — you decide how much or how little to disclose.
Know Your Legal Rights
Survivors have protections under federal and state laws, as well as university policies. Depending on your situation, you may have the right to:
- Take time off for court hearings, counseling, or medical needs related to IPV/DV (varies by state law).
- Request confidentiality about your history or current circumstances.
- Work and study in an environment free from harassment, discrimination, or retaliation.
- Access Title IX accommodations on campus, which may include changes to class schedules, housing, or work-study jobs if safety is a concern.
For legal questions, you may connect with Student Legal Services or Colorado Legal Services.
Consider Trauma-Informed Employers
Finding a supportive workplace can make a difference in your healing and career growth. Signs of trauma-informed or survivor-supportive employers include:
- Options for remote or hybrid work.
- Access to wellness programs, counseling, or Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).
- Clear commitments to inclusion and belonging for all identities.
- Women-led, LGBTQ+ affirming, nonprofit, or public service organizations with missions rooted in community care.
During interviews, remember you are interviewing them too. You can ask about workplace culture, flexibility, or wellness supports.
Quick Tips for Self-Care in the Job Search
- Break applications into smaller steps to avoid overwhelm (e.g., update resume one day, apply the next).
- Schedule applications or interviews at times that feel least stressful.
- Celebrate small wins — even updating your resume or sending one application is progress.
- Connect with supportive peers, mentors, or advocates for encouragement along the way.
- Check out our managing job search stress page
Need Support? - On-Campus & Community Resources
On-Campus Resources
Confidential:
CSU Survivor Advocacy and Foundational Education (SAFE) Center
The SAFE Center Victim Advocates are full-time professional staff members dedicated to working with members of our campus community who have experienced trauma by providing free and CONFIDENTIAL crisis intervention, emotional support, assistance in navigating complicated processes, as well as facilitating connections to mental health resources, academic support, and more.
- In Person: 112 Student Services Building Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm or other locations by request. Drop in or schedule an appointment by calling 970-492-4242.
- Virtually: Schedule a time to meet with our advocates via our confidential video platform. Email safecenter@colostate.edu or call us to set up a time.
- By Phone: Call our 24/7 Victim Assistance Team to talk to an advocate at 970-492-4242.
- Text: Available Monday-Friday 8am – 5pm MT by texting the VAT Hotline at (970) 492-4242
- Web Chat: Available Monday-Friday 8am-5pm MT. Click here to chat.
- SAFE Clothing Closet
Mental Health Services at CSU Health Network
Non-Confidential (but supportive):
Career Center Funding Opportunities
Responsible Employees (CSU Faculty and Staff)
Please note: All CSU employees, including student employees, and volunteers are designated as Responsible Employees, and are required to report any information related to incidents of sex-based discrimination, harassment, interpersonal violence, and/or retaliation disclosed to them by a student or about a student, to the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity by calling (970) 491-1715.
Off-Campus Resources
Confidential Support Off-Campus
Sexual Assault Victim Advocate Center (SAVA) – Provides counseling, crisis intervention, and advocacy services.
- 970-482-3502 (24-Hour Crisis Hotline)
- 970‐530‐2353 (Fort Collins Office)
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) – Provides counseling by phone or live online communication.
- 1‐800‐656‐4673 (24-Hour National Crisis Hotline)
- Online Chat: https://hotline.rainn.org/online/
Crossroads Safehouse – Crossroads provides emergency safe housing, advocacy, legal assistance, rapid rehousing, and crisis intervention for victims of domestic violence.
- 970-482-3535 (24/7 Helpline)
- 1-888-541-SAFE (7233) Toll-free
National Domestic Violence Hotline (24/7)
- Call 800-799-7233 or text “START” to 88788.