SBB IN ACTION

#STARTBYBELIEVING

Orlando Police @OrlandoPolice Knowing how to respond to victims of sexual assault is critical. OPD pledges to always #startbybelieving

@TrumanMedKC: TMC thanks @MayorSlyJames for proclaiming April 6 #StartbyBelieving Day in @KCMO @MOCSAkc #sexualassaultawareness

Troy Police Dept. @TroyMI_Police Q: Who is responsible for rape? A: Rapists. It's that simple. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. #StartByBelieving

@EVAWintl: 3 simple responses to a disclosure of sexual violence: 1. I’m sorry 2. How can I help? 3. I believe you #StartbyBelieving

@ISUPD Officer Greiter dyed his hair teal for #StartbyBelieving Day. Who wore it better? Retweet for Officer Greiter

Halifax_Police @HfxRegPolice Our Sexual Assault Investigative Team took the #STARTBYBELIEVING pledge. They hope you’ll join them.

UNBELIEVABLE
A Netflix Limited Series

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHTS

Old Dominion University Launches Bold Campaign

St. Louis Turns Teal for Start by Believing Day

The YWCA Metro St. Louis, along with St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and 17 area hospitals, spearheaded a brand new Start by Believing campaign that turned the city teal! The Wheel at St. Louis Union Station, the Civil Courts Building, the Planetarium, and libraries through the county lit up in honor of Start by Believing Day. read more

IN THE MEDIA

Dear Katie Podcast

The Dear Katie Podcast is hosted by Survivor Advocate Katie Koestner and Claire Kaplan. EVAWI’s Alison Jones-Lockwood joined to talk about the Start by Believing Campaign and plans for the 2022 Start by Believing Day. read more

The Mend Podcast

The Mend is hosted by Survivor Advocate Anna Nasset. EVAWI’s Alison Jones-Lockwood joined to talk in depth about the Start by Believing campaign. read more

START BY BELIEVING EVENTS

Campaign Spotlight: Ramsay County

In April 2016, Ramsay County, Minnesota launched a Start by Believing campaign, combined with their Sexual Assault Justice Initiative. Since then, they have been leading the way in rebuilding systems’ response to sex crimes. During this presentation, Karen Kugler, Assistant Ramsey County Attorney – Dedicated Prosecutor, and Eva Morrison, Sexual Assault Response Project Manager, share how they designed their campaign, and the progress they’ve made in the past six years.

Campaign Spotlight: Old Dominion University

After months of planning and preparation, Old Dominion University (ODU) in Norfolk, VA, launched a campus wide Start by Believing Campaign shortly after students returned to class in September 2021. The beginning of the school year, commonly known as the Red Zone, is a high-risk time for campus sexual assault among first- and second-year students. ODU is leading the way by ensuring students, faculty, and staff are prepared to respond with support and empathy. During this presentation, Chief Rhonda Harris, Assistant Vice President of Public Safety & Chief of Police, and Maureen Evans, Clery Compliance Coordinator, provided insight into how they were able to plan and implement their new campaign.

Start by Believing: 10 Years and Counting:

This live event was an emotional and inspiring journey with three sexual assault survivors sharing their stories. We witnessed the devastating harms survivors experience when they are not believed or supported, and the life-changing benefits when they are. We also heard from a retired sex crimes sergeant, reflecting why this message is so important – both for survivors, but also for law enforcement and other professionals.

The Story Behind Athlete A: The Heroes Who Took Down Larry Nassar

This event provided an in-depth discussion with the heroes who exposed the biggest sexual abuse cover-up in sports history. We heard from Rachael Denhollander, the first woman to publicly name Larry Nassar, and Mark Alesia, a member of the team of reporters that inspired her to come forward. Angela Povilaitis, the lead prosecutor, and Lieutenant Andrea Munford, the lead investigator, also shared the strategies used to convict this prolific predator.

10 Years of Start by Believing: The Communities Behind the Movement

This event featured Survivor/Advocate Kimberly Corban, who recounted how her life was irrevocably changed when a stranger broke into her apartment and sexually assaulted her. Weld County Colorado District Attorney Michael J. Rourke detailed the investigation and prosecution of her attacker. We also heard from seven inspiring leaders whose communities are embracing the Start by Believing message, paving the way for long-lasting systemic reforms to provide access for survivors.