Start by Believing is a public awareness campaign aimed at ending the cycle of silence and transforming the way friends, family, formal support systems, and victim service providers respond to sexual assault. By first believing victims who disclose sexual assault, we can offer help and support, improve emotional well-being, increase reporting rates, and prevent retraumitization. It provides an opportunity for communities across the country, and around the world, to unify with a single voice for those who have been the victims of sexual violence: We hear you, and we are here to help.  

In ten years, Start by Believing has made a profound difference in survivors? lives, and since its inception, 576 communities across the United States and around the world have participated in Start by Believing campaigns. Eight states have proclaimed their dedication to Start by Believing, and thousands of people have taken the Start by Believing pledge. Make your personal commitment to Start by Believing at https://www.startbybelieving.org/pledge/.