We, the women and men of Santa Barbara Rape Crisis Center, believe sexual assault is destructive to the lives of survivors, their families and friends, and to our society. Sexual assault is an unacceptable, unconscionable form of oppression, which must be eradicated from our culture and from all cultures where it exists.

Santa Barbara Rape Crisis Center is dedicated to helping women and men survive the trauma of sexual assault and to eliminating this brutal crime from our society.

To fulfill this mission, Santa Barbara Rape Crisis Center provides:
1) crisis intervention, counseling, advocacy and support in order to heal and empower sexual assault survivors, their family members and friends; and
2) community education and prevention programs to increase the awareness, empathy and understanding necessary to effect the attitudinal and behavioral changes which are essential to the elimination of sexual assault.

As feminist women and men, we believe: Sexual assault is rooted in society's assumption that one segment of society needs to dominate and control another.

Sexual assault is perpetuated by institutionalized male domination as well as sanctioned discrimination, including racism, classism, sexism, ageism, heterosexism and ableism as a means of oppressing women.

Sexual assault, exploitation, and discrimination are unacceptable and destructive to individuals and society. We are committed to ending these forms of oppression within our community and our society through empowerment in education and healing.

SBRCC acknowledges the political analysis and achievements of the feminist women who initially worked for societal changes. Our work is a continuation of their efforts.

The above philosophy is the foundation for existing programs and services.