Domestic, Dating Violence & Sexual Assault Resources

When someone tells you that they were sexually assaulted, the best way to respond is simply to Start by Believing. Survivors are often afraid that others won’t believe them, or that they will blame them for what happened, so it is important to simply listen and offer support and whatever types of assistance they want. Let them take the lead on what they need from you.

On Cuesta Campus:
Melissa Richerson, Title IX Coordinator individuals with questions or concerns regarding sexual discrimination, including sexual harassment, may contact Melissa Richerson at (805) 546-3129.

Cuesta Health Services, Mental Health Therapy
Our MFT (marriage and family therapist) and MFTIS (marriage and family therapist interns) are available for free and confidential therapy here at Cuesta. They are also able to connect you with resources in the community.

Community Resources:
RISE serves both victims of intimate partner violence and sexual assault/abuse and their loved ones, RISE provides comprehensive programs, services and resources to the community.

Stand strong is committed to providing confidential services for survivors of domestic violence and child abuse in our community. English+Spanish+LGBTQI

Cal Poly's Safer is Cal Poly’s confidential advocacy, education and support resource for addressing sexual assault, sexual misconduct, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. 

Resilient souls exists to compassionately care for and flourish the growth and healing for victims of trauma, abuse, and exploitation by empowering them with tools and educational programs to build their families and community into a safe haven.

Domestic Violence Solutions for Santa Barbara County offers emergency and transitional housing, support services, 24-hour crisis hotline, safety planning, crisis counseling, referrals and more.

The Victim Link agency portal works in partnership with the new public-facing site - Seek Then Speak. Together, they break down traditional barriers of shame and fear, so victims can gather information, explore options, and take action through gradual dialogue on a new multi-channel platform (web, phone, or mobile).

Seek then Speak, an online platform and app created by End Violence Against Women International (EVAWI), allows sexual assault survivors of all identities to report their cases from their own homes and at their own pace.

Hotlines:

RISE 24-hour crisis hotline // (855)-886-RISE (7473)

Domestic Violence Solutions hotline
Santa Maria // (805) 925-2160
Lompoc // (805) 736-0965
Santa Ynez Valley // (805) 686-4390
Santa Barbara // (805) 964-5245

Online Resources:
I'm Ready to Leave... Now What? A resource packet to help you leave an abusive partner.

Abuselawsuit.com provides legal support and advocacy for survivors of institutionalized sexual abuse.