University of California, Santa Barbara

Welcome to the Womens Center 1220 Student Resource Building Santa Barbra, CA 93106-7190 Telephone 805-893-3778 Fax 805-893-3289 Center Hours Monday Through Thursday 9am to 9pm and Friday from 9am to 5pm

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Safety at UCSB

No one is guaranteed perfect security, at UCSB or in IV or anywhere else. Here are some things that may reduce your risk:

At Home in IV

  • Keep your door locked day and night, whether you are home or not.
  • Check to see who's there before you open it.
  • Install a strong lock - a deadbolt - and a peephole. Have good lighting around entrances.
  • Develop an escape plan for use in case of an intruder or fire or other emergency.
  • Leave spare keys with a friend, not under the mat or any other obvious place.
  • Know your neighbors and know which ones you can trust in an emergency.
  • Call Foot Patrol if you need help getting party crashers to leave.

On Campus

  • Your res hall door is your front door. Keep it locked.
  • If possible lock the door where you are studying or working.
  • Get up & investigate “strange” noises, call for help or leave if you feel uncomfortable. If someone enters your space, stand up and be ready to act if necessary. Don’t be shy if you feel threatened
  • Call the CSO for an escort between any two points on campus, campus to I.V., I.V. to campus, or I.V. to I.V. Just pick up a red emergency phone or call 893-2000.

On the Street

  • Pay attention to your surroundings. Cross the street or change direction if you think you are being followed.
  • Wear clothes and shoes that give you freedom of movement.
  • Carry your car or house keys in your hand to avoid fumbling for them in a bag or pack.
  • Travel with a friend; there's safety in numbers.

On the town, at a party, on a date

  • Be clear about what you want and don't want. Women, say yes when you mean yes, and no when you mean no.
  • Men, take no as no - the first time.
  • Trust your intuition in uncomfortable situations. Leave, or tell the person making you uncomfortable to leave. Don't be afraid to make a scene.
  • If you drink, stay sober enough to take care of yourself. Decide your limits in advance.
  • Consider turning down open drinks from anybody.
  • Use the buddy system. Stay sober enough to take care of each other. Party with friends. Don't leave a friend stranded.

Having sex with a person too drunk to consent is against the law.

IF CONFRONTED

  • There is no magic formula to follow in all situations; it really helps to have thought about what you might do in advance.
  • Talking your way out of an assault in an assertive manner is often successful; so is an immediate aggressive reaction to an attack.

Self Defense

A self-defense class will teach you physical and psychological skills to increase your safety. The Women's Center offers self-defense workshops. Call, stop by or check our quarterly calendar. Personal Safety is offered every quarter in the Physical Activities Department (PA6A). Santa Barbara Rape Crisis Center offers a 4-hour workshop for women and girls once a month. Call 963-6832.

Come by the Women's Center for information on other self-defense options.