Trigger warning: this petition contains information about sexual assault that may be upsetting to survivors.
 
Sexual Assault at the University of California, Santa Barbara predominately occurs by men against women but that is not to say that men and same sex assailants do not occur. Most sexual assaults occur by individuals who are acquaintances of the survivors and most often include the use of drugs or alcohol by one if not by both individuals. UCSB reports that at least one in five college women will survive sexual assault during their college experience. However, many more individuals will suffer in silence due to various reasons i.e., embarrassment, PTSD, lack of resources, lack of support, etc.
I am writing this petition regarding the current education plan and response notification system regarding sexual assault on campus. We are first introduced to resources for education, advocacy, and support in orientation. In one’s first year attending UCSB they are required to fulfill Gaucho FYI, an interactive webinar developed to introduce health topics and safety topics, and complete various online modules that touch on alcohol, being a bystander, and consent. However, this important education is not reinforced over the years nor is there any other education on topics of sexual assault prevention for any year beyond a student’s first year enrolled. For those students who are not regularly matriculated and have not experienced the social environment of a big university like transfer students, it can be a big social shock. A small video or interactive lesson would allow for students who are now returning to have a reminder or refresher on the key concepts of consent, respect, alcohol, and social scenarios they may encounter. This change could be measured though follow up surveys or through data collection of how the refresher course may have affected their interactions and better prepared them to face actual occurrences. Additionally, we would hope to see more proactive action and less individuals suffering in silence. Hopefully, the resources and support from the school and peers would encourage those effected to report their abuse and action could be taken against their assailants. Furthermore, students receive a timely notification when an event of sexual assault occurs but there is rarely any follow up on the actions UCSB police are taking to find those who need to be held responsible.
 
Sign this petition to support:
1.     The implementation of additional sexual assault, health, and safety refresher courses after a student’s first year.
2.     The implementation of signage campus wide and beyond about the importance of consent and how to avoid the pull of bystander behavior.
3.     The continued transparency from UCPD and a plan of action going forward from an event of sexual assault.
 
Additional Resources Include:

• Counseling and Psychological services
  https://caps.sa.ucsb.edu
• Campus Advocacy, Resources & Education  
  https://care.ucsb.edu/survivor-services/advocacy-services
  Call 805-893-4613 or email CARE@sa.ucsb.edu.
• Support resources
  titleix.ucsb.edu
• Safety Escortshttps://www.police.ucsb.edu/cso/cso-safety-escorts