'Start By Believing' Campaign Launches In Santa Cruz

SANTA CRUZ, CA – "Start by Believing," a public-awareness campaign with a focus on improving public response to sexual assault, will kick off today in Santa Cruz at an event featuring Mayor David Terrazas plus public safety and criminal justice officials.

The Santa Cruz Police Department and the Commission for the Prevention of Violence Against Women partnered to raise awareness on sexual assault reports and the obstacles a victim faces when deciding whether to come forward or not, officials said.

Community residents are invited to attend the civic event, set today, April 4, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 pm. at the Santa Cruz City Hall Courtyard, 809 Center St., to sign pledges to "start by believing" victims of sexual assault, organizers said. Speakers will include Terrazas, Police Chief Andrew Mills and District Attorney Jeff Rosell.

"Start by Believing," the slogan of a national campaign, began in April 2015 when Utah State Rep. Angela Romero sponsored a resolution to declare the first annual Start by Believing Day in her state. The resolution was carried forward by End Violence Against Women International (evawintl.org) and April 4 was chosen as the Start By Believing Day.

The campaign's intent is to create a positive community response; informing the public, uniting allies and supporters, and improving our personal reactions. Start By Believing organizers provide activity kits for the community, prosecutors, law enforcement, health care, victim advocates, school campuses and the military.

For more information, check out startbybelieving.org and evawintl.org

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--Image via Santa Cruz Police Department