CORRECTION [10/03/2025, 12:05 p.m.]: A previous version of this article listed the incorrect number for the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office. 

In light of several recent incidents, the Daily Nexus compiled a guide of local and university resources available to students and community members who are survivors of sexual violence. 

CAPS provides students with confidential counseling, support groups and 24-hour crisis phone counseling. Nexus file photo

It is recommended that individuals communicate their preferred level of confidentiality when considering law enforcement involvement or possible resources to utilize.

Sexual Assault Response Team Services

The Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) is a Santa Barbara County (SBC) organization that provides and coordinates care for survivors of sexual assault. SART provides services including forensic medical exams. They also have in-person advocacy, counseling and referrals to other resources. SART also coordinates between the SBC District Attorney’s Office, local law enforcement and crisis centers in order to offer support to survivors. 

SART is located at 345 Camino del Remedio in Santa Barbara and can be contacted at (805)-448-7993.

Standing Together to End Sexual Assault 

Standing Together to End Sexual Assault (STESA) is a local nonprofit organization that provides confidential counseling to survivors of sexual assault. STESA provides a 24-hour hotline, which can be reached at (805) 564-3696. This hotline provides confidential counseling and information from trained personnel. 

STESA also provides survivors with in-person crisis counseling at their office. Any individual can attend STESA’s counseling services without an appointment between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays. 

STESA is located at 433 E. Cañon Perdido Street in Santa Barbara and can be contacted at (805)-963-6832.

Medical resources

Survivors of sexual assault have the option to undergo an examination, which is coordinated by organizations within SART. There are three options for survivors of sexual assault who undergo an examination — a forensic examination, a restricted examination and an anonymous report.

A forensic examination is also commonly referred to as a “rape kit.” A forensic examination is performed by a qualified nurse and may include a full body examination and swab tests. It should be conducted within 72-120 hours after the assault due to the physical presence of evidence during this period. After the examination is completed, law enforcement is contacted, who may take statements from the survivor.

A forensic examination can be conducted at the Cottage Health Hospital Emergency Room, which is located at two centers in Goleta and Santa Barbara.

A restricted examination involves a physical evaluation by a qualified medical professional, but law enforcement is not contacted following it. A survivor’s personal information is not associated with the results of the exam, providing them with time to choose whether to press charges.

An anonymous report does not involve a physical examination. A survivor would describe the assault, and a member of SART would contact law enforcement through an anonymous report.

University Services

UCSB Student Health Service: Provides students with general medical examinations, medical referrals and treatment. The center also offers psychiatric and social work services but does not conduct forensic examinations. 

Campus Advocacy Resources and Education: Provides students with confidential counseling and assistance. It also coordinates services with the university and local agencies and offers a 24-hour phone line at (805)-893-4613. It is located at suite 2145 of the Student Resources Building.

Counseling and Psychological Services: Provides students with confidential counseling, support groups and 24-hour crisis phone counseling at 805-893-4411. It is located at Building 599.

Local Reporting Options

UC Santa Barbara Police Department: Responds to and investigates crimes committed on university campus property. The department forwards reports to the SBC District Attorney’s Office for further investigation and prosecution. It can also provide information regarding referrals for forensic examination. It is located at Public Safety 574, Mesa Road in Goleta and can be reached at (805) 893-3446 for non-emergencies.

Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office: Responds to and investigates crimes committed in Santa Barbara County. The office forwards reports to the SBC District Attorney’s Office for further investigation and prosecution. It can also provide information regarding referrals for forensic examination. The office is located at 4434 Calle Real in Santa Barbara and can be reached at (805) 683-2724 for non-emergencies.

Office of Title IX Compliance and Discrimination and Harassment Prevention: Coordinates and reviews the university’s response to all reports of sexual violence within the campus community. The office assesses each case and determines whether to conduct a formal investigation. If necessary, the office conducts investigations into Title IX complaints and manages the resolution processes. It also connects individuals with relevant campus resources. The office is located at 3211 Phelps Hall and can be reached at (805) 893-2701.

A version of this article appeared on p. 3 of the Oct. 2, 2025 print edition of the Daily Nexus.