TAKE THE PLEDGE
WHEN A VICTIM COMES TO YOU,
HOW WILL YOU RESPOND?
HOW WILL YOU RESPOND?
When someone tells you they were raped or sexually assaulted, knowing how to respond is critical. A negative response can worsen the trauma and foster an environment where perpetrators face no consequences for their crimes.
Start by Believing stops this cycle by improving our personal and professional reactions.
It all starts with you. Make your personal commitment to Start by Believing.
- Start by Believing when someone tells me they were raped or sexually assaulted
- Support survivors on the road to justice and healing
- Help end the silence
I PLEDGE TO:
My name is Shirley. I was raped almost 50 years ago by someone I knew. It was very different back then. I’m pledging to make people aware of how important it is to be believed.
My name is Mel. As a forensic nurse I know that believing survivors is the most important thing that I do! Every person deserves to be heard, believed and empowered to take back control.
My name is Amber Washington. I am a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and date rape as an adult. Even though my grandfather admitted to the abuse, he was given a slap on the wrist and we continued on like I was supposed to just get over it. I pledge to believe, to validate, and to speak so that we help those who aren’t willing to see sexual abuse for what it is cannot simply ignore. The more we share, the harder it is to deny.
My name is Jessi. I am a survivor. I survived my experience knowing that (at the time) there were people that did not believe me or want to hear me. Those that were there for me have helped to make me strong and helped me become a fighter. I want others to know that they are not alone. There will always be someone to listen and believe them.
My name is Daniel Francis. As a Cis-Gendered Straight White Man, I’m aware of the privilege of safety I experience. I want that safety for everyone. And I hope movements like this can help achieve that.
My name is Sgt. Ostermiller. There should be no sexual assaults. Survivors should have a voice and a decision in the outcome. It is an opportunity to listen, believe and support these people throughout the process. Your campus Law Enforcement is continuously working to make USU a safe place. Start by Believing!
