When stories of sexual abuse rise into national headlines, public attention often centers on details and personalities. At Vista Rise Collective, we notice something else: survivors are watching.
They are watching to see whether people listen. Whether experiences like theirs will be taken seriously. These moments are about more than a single case; they are about our culture. Our collective reaction determines whether a neighbor feels safe speaking up, how sexual violence is seen as “normal,” and whether we truly believe that safety is a shared responsibility.
This is why the “Start by Believing” campaign is so vital. It does not replace fairness or the legal process; it simply means leading with care rather than suspicion. When a survivor knows that their story will be met with belief and a connection to help, they are far more likely to come forward.
When survivors expect that sharing their story will lead to blame or disbelief, research shows that fewer people report what happened, and healing becomes much harder. Belief is not the end of a long investigation; it is the beginning of dignity. And dignity is necessary for justice.
Sexual violence rarely begins with extreme acts. It grows in places where harmful attitudes aren’t challenged: sexist jokes dismissed as “just a joke,” myths about consent, and questioning victims more than the people who caused the harm. Language shapes culture, culture shapes how we act, and how we act determines if we are safe. When mean or dismissive language becomes normal, it makes it easier for serious harm to happen. What seems small adds up over time, creating a world where violence is easier to ignore.
Preventing sexual violence is not only about responding after harm occurs. It is about shaping norms before it does, like teaching consent clearly, challenging harmful language, and encouraging people to step in when something feels wrong.
Communities build trust when concerns about violence are taken seriously and handled thoughtfully and transparently. When people believe systems respond responsibly, they are more likely to come forward. The real measure of a community is not how it reacts to a headline, but how it shows up every day to prevent harm.
Sexual violence is not someone else’s issue. We invite you to join us in this work. You can make a pointed effort to start by believing, speaking up against harmful language, or supporting our prevention work in schools by making a donation. To help our community grow, Vista Rise Collective offers talks on consent, the signs of abuse, and what services our organization offers. We invite you to visit www.vistarise.org to see our resources or contact us to bring these important conversations to your business, school, or local group.
Cultural change does not happen through headlines alone. It happens when communities choose to act, because safer communities are built together.
If you or someone you know needs support, our 24/7 confidential crisis line is 530-544-4444. For training or presentation requests, contact us at info@vistarise.org.
-Briana Vallejo, Community Relations Coordinator
Vista Rise Collective