TAKE THE PLEDGE
WHEN A VICTIM COMES TO YOU,
HOW WILL YOU RESPOND?
HOW WILL 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.
- 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
I PLEDGE TO:
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.
