Warning: This article contains content relating to sexual violence.
Damian Silverio, a UC Santa Barbara student, was arrested on Aug. 30 for an alleged sexual assault perpetrated that morning. He is currently being held without bail.
At roughly 9:30 a.m., the survivor reported a sexual assault that occurred on the 6500 block of Trigo Road to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office (SBSO). According to the press release, the survivor “endured an hours-long physical and sexual assault” and eventually escaped into a common area until she was forced back into the apartment. Silverio and the survivor reportedly knew one another before the incident.
Officials booked Silverio for felonies including alleged kidnapping to commit rape, false imprisonment, rape by force or fear, criminal threats, domestic violence and preventing a person from calling 911.
The SBSO encourages witnesses of the altercation to come forward with information regarding the case. Those with information can contact Detective Ellis at 805-681-4150 or share anonymously at sbsheriff.org/home/anonymous-tip or 805-681-4171.
Survivors are encouraged to seek county and community resources, including the Victim-Witness Program, Victim Advocates and Standing Together to End Sexual Assault (STESA).
The Nexus will continue to report on this topic as more information becomes available.
