Edhat Staff
Update by Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office
Sheriff’s Office Partners with STESA to Address Public Concerns in Social Media Posts
In response to widely shared social media posts, the Sheriff’s Office has thoroughly followed-up on the alleged incidents and are partnering with Standing Together to End Sexual Assault (STESA) to share information about survivor response, bystander intervention and STESA services. Yesterday, the Sheriff’s Office became aware of social media posts that recount two experiences at the Target store in Goleta. One incident describes a victim being followed in the parking lot and then being boxed in by two vehicles, and another incident describes a zip tie being left on the windshield of a vehicle, a tactic that has been rumored to be linked to human trafficking.
The Sheriff’s Office proactively reached out to both of the social media accounts that reported these incidents, followed-up with Target for review of surveillance footage, searched our reporting databases, and checked with neighboring jurisdictions for matching reports. We have had contact with one of the social media account owners and are hoping to hear back from the second. We were unable to corroborate either of the incidents. Additionally, our Human Trafficking detectives have confirmed that the claim that zip ties are being used to flag targets for human trafficking is unsubstantiated.
While we continue to monitor for similar threats and encourage survivors to contact us directly, we have reached out to STESA to share this opportunity to address public concerns. Bianca Orozco, a Community Education Coordinator has asked that we share the following information about survivor response, bystander intervention, and STESA services.
Survivor Response
Whatever decision a survivor makes to keep themselves safe during their assault is valid. In one of the posts, the person trusted her intuition, got into her car, and used her resources to call for help. There is also no “right” way for a survivor to respond to an assault. Survivors may not feel ready to seek services or report to law enforcement right away. Survivors may choose to seek services, but never report to law enforcement. A survivor decides what their needs are after an assault and we must respect and support their choices.
Bystander Intervention
We all play a role in preventing sexual assault in our community. Orozco said, “We have the ability to intervene in situations of sexual assault, if we feel safe doing so. One can keep a safe distance, but ask someone who is being targeted if they’re okay.” Active bystander intervention includes stepping in and addressing behaviors or statements before sexual assault happens. Orozco shared that one can be a bystander in day to day interactions, for instance, witnessing sexual harassing comments directed at someone at work or on the street. We can choose to intervene by challenging the behavior directly when it is safe to do so; creating a distraction away from the behavior to de-escalate the situation; or delegating by bringing in a third party to act against the behavior. In this case, bystanders who witnessed the person being followed or her flashing car lights and honking had different intervention options: directly confront the perpetrator; cause a distraction by interacting with the person or perpetrator; or calling 911 to intervene.
STESA Services
Standing Together to End Sexual Assault (STESA) offers support services to survivors of sexual assault and significant others. This includes people who have not directly experienced sexual assault but still want to process with an advocate about the recent news. Orozco said, “We are happy to speak with anyone who has concerns about their safety. We offer confidential services which include a 24-Hour hotline, legal and medical advocacy and accompaniment, and counseling. Information discussed will not be shared with other entities.” If you need support and would like to speak with a STESA advocate or have any questions about services, please call the STESA 24-hour hotline at (805) 564-3696.
By edhat staff
A report is circling social media about a scary incident that took place in the parking lot of Target in Goleta recently.
The Instagram report was posted by a woman living in the Santa Barbara area who recounted leaving the store with a man following close behind her wearing a hoodie and mask over his face.
The man called out “Hey!” which startled the woman prompting her to run to her vehicle.
“Then I see two black trucks pull up. One pulled up on my drivers side. One behind me. My heart was racing. All I wanted to do was drive away but they boxed me in. So I could not,” the post read.
The woman started honking and flashing her lights to get people’s attention in the parking lot. The man that was following her then jumped in one of the trucks and they drove off. She describes the vehicles as black Ford trucks with very dark tinted windows, according to the post.
This story has since circled social media bringing up conversations about sex trafficking, self-defense tips, and advice for women on how to stay safe.
As of Wednesday, the woman who posted the incident on social media had not contacted the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department. Sheriff’s spokesperson Raquel Zick encourages this victim to contact their office.
An employee of the Goleta Target store confirmed to edhat there was a second similar incident that took place in their parking lot, but edhat has been unable to verify this claim.
If anyone else has had a similar experience or has more information, contact the Sheriff’s Office at 805-683-2724.
1:51 – What a load of drivel. Social media has definitely squelched your BS filters.
Um I just want to say first that scary situation thank gosh she is ok, but I ha e some things to say.i am a female who shops at target like every other day honestly, it’s my time where my honey can watch our son and that gives me my time which every mom deserves. Anyways so I shop alone at target all the time, never once have I seen or felt an any way scared from some lame. I wish some dude would come and try that with me they have another thing coming. And Second if chick felt so scared then why not alert the police. I thinking she posted this for people to notice her. I’m sorry girl but come on put ur big girl pants on, if u feel unsafe u do what every u can to get aways don’t get in ur car take ur keys grab them between ur fingers and punch that fool and scream at the top of ur l ungs.dont sit in fear, that gets u no where. Be courageous and strong especially if ur female, that goes for ALL WOMEN ,transgender to.
Wow my comment was deleted! Basically yes I am indicating that this girl is lying, absolutely not true complete BS
I don’t think men realize how scary it is being a woman in this world. Just yesterday I was walking in my neighborhood and this man came out of nowhere and starting running behind me. He wasn’t exercising. I jumped off the sidewalk and faced him, he looked at me like I was crazy.
Men, please be considerate and don’t follow closely behind women or run behind them. We’re conditioned to be on alert at all times for fear of violence.
Gavin Newsom released 17,000 criminals including rapists. The borders are wide open. Once again, women continue to have to live in fear in Democrat cities and states.
Where’s the sanctuary for women?
odd. sex trafficking doesn’t usually happen by abducting adult women in parking lots
How are you possibly making this about immigration? Brain worms rot the conservative mind.
She didn’t make it ONLY about immigration. It was included in a list of Democrat policies that make cities and states less safe. Brain worms go for conservative minds because the liberal ones lack food.
Um who r u its called self defense with a car ur keys or ur fist. Duh dork I felt like this girl who report it which btw is just faking the story, should of call police as that was happening. All I’m saying speak up don’t be afraid to protect ur self even if that means contacting police. And thank u I have had plenty of sleep thank u. U need more nicer things to say
Why do so many here applaud the Democratic policies yet put blinders on to the clear and present consequences of those polices?
@ Lakergirl- There are 95% of EDHAT commenters who are WOKESTERS… Common sense does not apply. What is a fact, is that the Santa Barbara Housing Authority has numerous apartments that are occupied by recently released State Felons.
Lakergirl, you are far more likely to be the victim of a crime committed by a citizen than an illegal immigrant.
The US holds 22% of the world’s prison population. It’s sick. Much bigger issue than what you attempt to blame on Newsom.
They also make it sound like because no one officially reported it, they cannot investigate
I saw recent posts/stories on social media about black zip ties tied around on people’s mirrors on vehicles to signal traffickers of a woman driver by herself. Seems suspicious that this was also going around at the same time as this