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 Kimberly. The one person I told never believed me and it made me never open up again for almost 5 years.
My name is Stacey. I am pledging because I was 7 and had a voice no one would listen to. When they did listen, they blamed it on my wild imagination (what 7 year old imagines the horrors I went through.) I’m 34 now, and I am not just a survivor of rape and sexual assault. I am an advocate for little voices and the voices that are talked over.
My name is Michelle Gerlitzki. I have been a trauma mental health professional for over 20 years. I am a survivor as well. I am passionate about trauma awareness!
My name is Dr. Sarabjit Singh (Phd). I am pledging because I am a Crime Scene Investigator and I always stood up for victims, those who are seeking justice. So come out forward because “Together our Voice is So powerful”
My name is Collette. I am a survivor of domestic violence and abuse. I want to help other women feel less alone.
My name is Brook. I am pledging because everyone deserves the right to hear the words “I believe you.” I will do everything I can to educate myself to support anyone who feels silenced.
My name is Rachel. To help others who don’t have the support that I had.
My name is Scott. I want victims to come forward and report the horrible act that was done to them. I want them to know that they are believed.
My name is E/Sgt. Heather Bromley. UM-Flint Department of Public Safety is committed to supporting victims and survivors through Start by Believing, supporting survivors in their individual journey and joining efforts to end the silence.
My name is Tara. It takes so much strength to speak up about anything, let alone something so violent and personal, that I can’t believe why anyone would deny the brave person who comes to them and trusts you.
