How Callisto Supports Sexual Assault Survivors on Campus
>>Listen to “This Encrypted Platform Is Quietly Revolutionizing How Nurses Can Support Sexual Assault Survivors (With Leah Helmbrecht and Tracy DeTomasi)”
Disclaimer: This article and the included audio and video podcast episode contain a discussion on sexual assault. Discretion is advised.
Callisto: Empowering Survivors and Changing the Landscape of Sexual Violence Response
Sexual violence remains a pervasive issue, particularly on college campuses, where young people are at the highest risk. In response to this crisis, Callisto has emerged as a groundbreaking platform designed to support survivors and hold perpetrators accountable—all while prioritizing confidentiality, empowerment, and survivor control.
This transformative work was explored in a recent Nurse Converse podcast episode hosted by Leah Helmbrecht, featuring guest Tracy DeTomasi, licensed social worker and CEO of Callisto. Together, they unpacked how Callisto is reshaping survivor support and providing an innovative alternative to traditional reporting systems.
A Mission-Driven Approach to Survivor Support
Callisto was founded to transform how survivors of sexual violence are supported—moving away from systems that often retraumatize and toward a model grounded in privacy, agency, and community.
The platform’s mission is simple but profound: to use technology to empower survivors of sexual violence. Its vision: a world in which survivors are supported and empowered to find healing and justice on their own terms.
Tracy DeTomasi, who leads Callisto, brings a deep well of experience in gender-based violence prevention and trauma therapy. Her work with both survivors and adolescent sex offenders shaped Callisto’s trauma-informed approach and its focus on creating a safe, confidential space for survivors to reclaim control.
The need for this work is staggering:
- 1 in 4 female students, 1 in 15 male students, and 1 in 5 transgender, nonbinary, or genderqueer students are sexually assaulted during college.
- Over 90% of these assaults are committed by repeat perpetrators, who average six offenses before graduation.
- Fewer than 10% of survivors report their assault.
- Only 0.25% of assaults lead to arrest, felony conviction, and incarceration.
These numbers reveal not just the scope of the problem but the urgent need for alternative systems like Callisto.
How Callisto Works: Tools for Healing and Action
At the center of Callisto’s innovation is Callisto Vault, a secure, encrypted platform that offers two survivor-focused tools: the Matching System and the Incident Log.
1. Creating an Account
Callisto is available to students, faculty, and staff with a .edu email address at participating institutions. Once registered, users can confidentially enter:
- The state where the assault occurred
- Unique identifiers of the perpetrator, like:
- Phone numbers
- Email addresses
- Social media handles
All information is end-to-end encrypted, ensuring that survivors remain protected and anonymous unless they choose to act.
2. The Matching System
This proprietary system allows survivors to learn if someone else has reported harm by the same perpetrator. If two users enter matching identifiers—regardless of university affiliation—a match is triggered, and a confidential Legal Options Counselor is alerted.
The counselor contacts each survivor individually to explain their options, including criminal charges, civil cases, or Title IX action. Survivors are never pressured to proceed, and their identities remain fully protected unless they choose otherwise.
3. The Incident Log
The Incident Log provides a private space for survivors to document details of their experience. This can help in processing trauma and may serve as a future reference when speaking with a therapist, legal advisor, law enforcement, or campus officials.
Survivor-Centered Design: Privacy, Empowerment, and Community
What truly sets Callisto apart is its emphasis on survivor control. The platform allows individuals to connect with others harmed by the same person—without public exposure or forced reporting. This transforms isolation into validation and enables informed decision-making in a secure, private environment.
During early pilot programs, Callisto identified one serial perpetrator for every 37 users who entered the Matching System—a powerful testament to the potential for collective action.
Prevention Through Education and Accountability
Tracy DeTomasi emphasized that real change means not just supporting survivors but also understanding and interrupting perpetrator behavior. Many offenders justify their actions through harmful cultural messages and cognitive distortions—for example, believing a lack of resistance equals consent.
Her experience working with adolescent sex offenders revealed a consistent pattern: many young people had never been taught about boundaries or respectful relationships. Early education and open conversations—particularly from parents—are critical for prevention. Teaching children about consent, empathy, and accountability can break the cycle before harm occurs.
Raising Awareness, Getting Involved, and Staying Connected
Awareness is crucial to Callisto’s mission. Sexual assault occurs every 68 seconds in the U.S., yet many survivors don’t know where to turn for help. By spreading the word and supporting Callisto’s work, individuals and communities can play a direct role in empowering survivors and preventing future harm.
Here’s how you can get involved and stay connected:
- Follow and Share — Help amplify Callisto’s message by following and engaging with them on social media:
- Donate — Financial contributions support Callisto’s technology, outreach, and survivor services. Every gift makes an impact.
- Become a Campus Ambassador — Bring Callisto to your college or university by helping raise awareness and connect fellow students to this vital resource.
- Volunteer — Contribute your time and skills to support advocacy, outreach, and community-building efforts.
No matter how you engage, your support helps build a future where survivors are believed, supported, and empowered—on their terms.
Conclusion
Callisto is more than just a platform—it’s a movement. By combining encrypted technology with trauma-informed support, Callisto creates a new model for survivor empowerment—where individuals can document, connect, and act when they’re ready and entirely on their terms.
Callisto is shifting the conversation about sexual violence, placing power back in the hands of survivors and providing tools that can prevent future harm. With growing awareness and support, it has the potential to transform how we support survivors, pursue justice, and build safer communities on college campuses and beyond.
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