Don’t engage in any behavior that may be considered a violation of privacy while showering or bathing. Don’t take another person’s belongings without their permission.

• No one should ever be photographed or filmed without permission while showering.
• Take responsibility for your actions.
• Understand and respect personal boundaries.

Don’t be a passive bystander. Intervene!

• Encourage your friend to seek help.
• Be a good listener. This means not talking when the person is speaking. Letting the person know you’re listening through facial expressions and verbal sounds (“Mmm-hmm”), and being able to repeat what the person has said practically (or as close to) word-for-word.
• Offer your support by asking how you can help.
• Educate yourself about personal safety while showering or bathing.
• Avoid any confrontations with the person suspected of making a recording during your shower or bath; this could be dangerous for you and your friend.

Think about ways you can be safer. This means thinking about what to do, where to go for help and who to call ahead of time:

• Stay alert in public spaces, particularly in areas like public restrooms, changing rooms, and dorm bathrooms. Be mindful of any suspicious behavior or individuals lingering around these areas.

• Check for hidden cameras: Before entering private spaces like bathrooms or changing rooms, quickly scan for any potential recording devices. Look for small, unusual objects that could be hiding a camera.

• Close curtains or blinds when showering, bathing or changing, particularly in areas where someone could easily see in through windows.  This can also prevent thieves from taking inventory of your belongings.

• Report suspicious activity. If you notice any suspicious behavior or find someone lingering too long near private spaces (e.g., standing outside a bathroom or locker room), report it immediately to campus security or local authorities.

• Pay attention to your surroundings. Be cautious of individuals who appear to be overly interested in your private activities, especially in spaces where you should expect privacy. Keep an eye on people entering and leaving shared spaces, particularly if they are taking unusual actions (e.g., walking in and out of the bathroom multiple times).

• Keep your cell phone handy; check to see that you have reception and that your cell phone is charged, but then pay attention to your surroundings instead of the phone.

Incidents of violation of personal privacy through observation or making a recording or theft of personal property are taken seriously at UC Santa Cruz. If you are in the midst of any kind of emergency, immediate harm, or threat of harm, dial 9–1–1. If you want further information about UC Santa Cruz Police Department resources, please visit the PD website at https://police.ucsc.edu/.

The Title IX Office can answer questions and provide you with information regarding the applicable University complaint resolution process, including investigation to address your reported incident. Title IX can help with safety and supportive measures, whether or not you want an investigation. Title IX can be reached at 831–459–2462 or via email: titleix@ucsc.edu. You can also file an online report at https://titleix.ucsc.edu/ . In addition, UCSC’s CARE Advocates can provide free and confidential support. Visit CARE at care.ucsc.edu to learn more.

For questions regarding this bulletin, please email clerycompliance@ucsc.edu.