Start by Believing Utah is part of a national public awareness campaign dedicated to ending the cycle of silence for survivors of sexual violence. Friends or family members are typically the first people that a victim confides in after an assault. Each person's reaction is the first step in a long path toward justice and healing for survivors. Knowing how to respond in a supportive way is critical
—a negative response can worsen the trauma and create an environment where perpetrators do not face accountability for their crimes. Because rapists often re-offend, one failed response can equal additional victims. Start by Believing will lead the way toward stopping this cycle, by creating a positive community response, informing the public, uniting allies and supporters, and improving our personal reactions. The goal is to change the world, and outcomes for victims, one response at a time. This campaign is a program of the Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault and is coordinated by a dedicated committee of volunteers dedicated to ensuring that every victim and survivor of sexual violence receives the supportive response that they deserve. In addition to the statewide coordinating council, there are several Start by Believing Campaigns in various communities across the state.
