TAKE THE PLEDGE

WHEN A VICTIM COMES TO YOU,
HOW WILL YOU RESPOND?

When someone tells you they were abused 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.

    I PLEDGE TO:

  • Start by Believing when someone tells me they were abused or sexually assaulted
  • Support survivors on the road to justice and healing
  • Help end the silence

My name is Taylor. I am a survivor, a mother, and a prosecutor and I will never stop fighting. I will Start by Believing.

My name is Jessica. I am pledging because I have been not believed and I never want to make anyone feel the way that I did.

My name is Charlotte. I was too scared and confused to report my sexual abuse, I told my friends and they normalized the abuse, I normalized the rape myself as one of the norms in college. Rape is not normal or ok. I did not protect future victims by staying silent but I will do what I can to help victims now by believing them!

My name is Brooke. I know many women that have been a victim to sexual harassment and assault. I want to pledge to always have an open mind, open heart and listening ear whenever they need it, or anyone for that matter. to help give them back their power. I will Start by Believing.

My name is Maddee. I am pledging because I am a survivor of marital rape. When I was finally able to come forward I was held more accountable than my rapist was. I don’t want anyone else to ever feel that way and blame themselves. The only person at fault for rape is the rapist. I will Start by Believing.

#StartbyBelieving