Column: Start by Believing campaign launched to support survivors

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Each year, Live Violence Free commemorates April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This April, we join the "Start by Believing" campaign. Start by Believing is a movement that not only raises awareness but also fundamentally shifts the way we respond to survivors of violence and abuse.

The Start by Believing campaign is not merely a slogan; it's a call to action—a call to dismantle the culture of disbelief that too often greets survivors when they bravely come forward to share their experiences.

Historically, survivors have faced skepticism, blame, and shame, discouraging many from seeking justice and healing. Most survivors of violence and abuse do not report the crime. Many never tell anyone. Then because so few assaults are reported – and most perpetrators walk free – survivors don’t get the help they need or the justice they deserve. This campaign challenges this harmful paradigm by advocating for a simple yet profound concept: believe survivors from the outset.

Start by Believing is designed to change this. Belief is a powerful tool - one that can provide survivors with the validation and support they desperately need. When we start by believing, we create a safe space for survivors to disclose their experiences without fear of judgment or skepticism. We signal to survivors that their voices matter, that their experiences are valid and that they are not alone. Knowing how to respond is critical because a negative response can worsen the survivor’s trauma and foster an environment where perpetrators face no consequences for their crimes.

Research demonstrates that survivors are often doubted or blamed, and these negative responses have harmful effects. Negative responses also decrease the likelihood that survivors will report the crime and reach out for help. You may have witnessed this firsthand. This is why the Start by Believing message is so vital. Outcomes will only change when survivors receive supportive responses to their disclosures.

When a survivor comes to you, it’s essential that you start by believing. You can use phrases like, “I believe you” and “I’m sorry this happened, I’m here for you.” You can then utilize the tools from our One Conversation campaign. Our educational and awareness campaign equips our community with the tools to support someone experiencing violence or abuse. When you are talking to a survivor who has disclosed their violence or abuse to you, you can take a survivor-centered approach that empowers survivors by prioritizing their needs.

Use the TALK method:

T= Thank them for telling you
A= Ask how you can help
L= Listen without judgment
K= Keep supporting

Abuse is never the survivor’s fault. As we observe Sexual Assault Awareness Month, let us commit ourselves to the principles of the Start by Believing campaign. Let us challenge the culture of skepticism and victim-blaming that perpetuates cycles of trauma and injustice. Let us stand in solidarity with survivors, amplifying their voices and advocating for their rights.

Join us and our community of partners and pledge to start by believing when someone discloses violence. Together, we can empower choices and inspire change.

To learn more about the Start by Believing campaign and to take the pledge, go to https://startbybelieving.org/

To learn more and become a One Conversation champion, join our campaign at https://liveviolencefree.org/oneconversation/