SAAVI encourages students to “Start by Believing” during Sexual Assault Awareness month

April is Sexual Assault Awareness month.The month is dedicated to raising public awareness about sexual assault and prevention methods. Every year Utah State University participates in the “Start By Believing” campaign.   

The campaign is sponsored by the Counselling and Psychological Services offices as well as the Sexual Assault and Anti-Violence Information offices.

USU conducts an annual sexual misconduct survey to measure how safe students feel on campus, how many knew how to report misconduct, what is the amount of assault that occurred and how many students felt safe enough to report their assault.

The most recent sexual misconduct survey said of those assaulted, more than a third of victims didn’t report. According to the survey, reasons for not reporting indicated privacy concerns, shame and the fear they would not be believed.

The “Start By Believing” campaign is looking to change the mentality of students who don’t report their assault.

“Judgement plays a huge part (in reporting) because if you feel stupid or if you feel you’re not going to be believed then youre way less likely to share your story and get the help you need,” said Amy Ted, a student and intern at the SAAVI office.

According to SAAVI’s website, they way a person responds to sexaul assault is critical. Responding negatively worsens trauma and perpetuates an environment where people don’t report.

“As someone who has been sexually assaulted, one of the hardest things to do was recognize that it in fact did happen. And if you go to someone the way they respond to you is so important, knowing that someone’s going to believe me, and that they’re on my side and want to keep me safe creates an environment for someone to seek help,” an anonymous source said.

The main goal of the “Start by Believing” campaign is to provide students with the basic understanding of how to respond when a friend discloses accault.

“A lot of people don’t know what they can do to help and we’re just showing that you can start by believing and it’s something that anyone can do. It’s super easy but it takes a lot of heart,” said AJ Cutler, a SAAVI volunteer.

Examples of responses include “I’m sorry this happened to you,” “I’m here for you”  and “how can I support you?”

For more information on the “Start By Believing” campaign or how to respond to sexual assault, visit SAAVI’s web page here. The SAAVI office is located in the Taggart Student Center room 311.  

— neshamah4918@gmail.com