ABOUT START BY BELIEVING
START BY BELIEVING: TRANSFORMING THE WAY WE RESPOND TO SEXUAL ASSAULT AND ABUSE
Start by Believing is a public awareness and action campaign designed by End Violence Against Women International (EVAWI) to end the cycle of silence and change the way we respond to sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, and child sexual abuse.
Paving The Road To Justice And Healing
Most victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, and child sexual abuse never report the crime to law enforcement, often because of the responses they receive from friends and family members. Our Start by Believing campaign is designed to change this. By preparing both professionals and loved ones to respond appropriately, we help to improve outcomes for victims – one response at a time.
Knowing how to respond is critical, because a negative response can worsen the trauma and foster an environment where perpetrators face no consequences for their crimes. What’s worse, this means a victory for the perpetrator, who remains free. And statistics show that abusers don’t just offend once. It’s a frightening equation: One failed response can mean additional victims. Start by Believing stops this cycle of silence by improving our personal and professional responses.
My name is Erica. I am a survivor, and the mother of an amazing young woman who trusted me enough to disclose her abuse to me last year. I am so proud of her! When someone tells me they were raped or sexually assaulted, I
Start by Believing.
My name is Neo. I am a member of the United States Air Force, a victim advocate and a friend. I will always be there to support victims of sexual violence. When someone tells me they were raped or sexually assaulted, I
Start by Believing.
My name is Ryan. I am a Criminal Investigator of sex crimes – as a Husband, Father, and male role model, I strive to become better for the people involved. When someone tells me they were raped or sexually assaulted, I
Start by Believing.
My name is Yolanda. I am a strong advocate for survivors of sexual violence. I have family and friends who are deeply impacted. I especially care about the Navajo children. When someone tells me they were raped or sexually assaulted, I
Start by Believing.
My name is Maurice. I am a Security supervisor at the University of Michigan Department of Public Safety, Ann Arbor campus. What better way to remove barriers? When someone tells me they were raped or sexually assaulted, I
Start by Believing.
My name is Tina. I am victim advocate with South Salt Lake Police Department and I care about how we all respond to victims who have been raped or sexually assaulted. When someone tells me they were raped or sexually assaulted, I
Start by Believing.
My name is Lucia. I am emergency room nurse at Good Shepherd Emergency Department in Barrington, Illinois. In my career I helped a lot of victims of sexual assault. When someone tells me they were raped or sexually assaulted, I
Start by Believing.
My name is Melissa. I am a prosecutor, a mother, and a believer. I am invested personally and professionally in helping victims be heard and in bringing offenders to justice. When someone tells me they were raped or sexually assaulted, I
Start by Believing.
More Than A Few Words
Since its initial launch in 2011, thousands of people have made their own personal commitment to Start by Believing.
Start by Believing is more than just a personal pledge. It encourages individuals, organizations, and communities to communicate the critical message to survivors: “We hear you, we support you, and we will Start by Believing.”
Equally important, Start by Believing equips communities to respond competently and compassionately to survivors and their loved ones. In other words, Start by Believing is not just a set of words, or a personal pledge that individuals can take. A Start by Believing program can help community organizations translate the philosophy into victim-centered and trauma-informed policies, protocols, and everyday practices.
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