Supporting Research
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EVAWI has collected materials that explain the rationale for Start by Believing, document the research base, and demonstrate the campaign's impact. Feel free to use this information to develop your own presentations, campaign materials, grant proposals, and more.
Start by Believing: Participation of Criminal Justice Professionals
This training bulletin debunks the notion that participation in Start by Believing compromises a criminal justice professional’s ability to remain objective. When defense teams raise questions of bias, the points made in this training bulletin help explain the purpose of the campaign and defend the rationale for participation.
Interviews with Victims vs. Suspects: Start by Believing and the Question of Bias
This training bulletin examines the Start by Believing philosophy and its implications for victim and suspect interviews. It explains what this philosophy does – and does not – say about how to approach sexual assault investigations.
Start by Believing to Improve Response to Sexual Assault and Prevent Gender Bias
This training bulletin examines questions about the philosophy of Start by Believing as well as other victim-centered and trauma-informed approaches. It prepares criminal justice professionals to respond to defense cross-examination by explaining how a law enforcement investigation of sexual assault that leverages Start by Believing can remain unbiased.
Improving Responses to Sexual Assault Disclosures: Both Informal and Formal Support Providers
This training bulletin reviews the research on sexual assault disclosures and the responses survivors experience, then examines public awareness campaigns designed to prevent sexual assault and improve responses, including Start by Believing.
