If a survivor were to come to you…how would 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.
I PLEDGE TO:
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
The Start By Believing Campaign was created by End Violence Against Women International (EVAWI) and additional resources are available on the Start by Believing Website: www.startbybelieving.org.
Are you ready to take the pledge? If so, click here to print the Start By Believing Pledge sheet: Start By Believing Pledge Sheet
Once you have taken the pledge, we would encourage you to share a photo of your pledge (or you with your pledge sheet) with your friends and family members, encouraging others to consider taking the pledge, as well. Don’t forget to use the following hashtags:
#Startbybelieving
#SACIS
#CAISA