A new public campaign launched in Utah asks citizens to change the way they respond to survivors of sexual violence. The “I Believe You” campaign, led by A Bolder Way Forward, aims to promote compassion, support, and belief for victims who come forward with their experience of assault or abuse.
The message is simple, but strong: if sexual violence is reported, believe them.
“We actually have a lot of research that shows that the reaction that an individual receives when they disclose sexual assault or intimate partner violence shapes their long-term mental health outcomes,” shared Julie Valentine, University of Utah Professor and campaign spokesperson.
State statistics in recent times indicate that one out of every three Utah women will be sexually victimized at one point or another in their lifetime, and one out of every eight will be raped. The financial burden is no less daunting — sexual violence drains the state of nearly $5 billion annually, averaging around $1,700 per citizen.
Despite these unsettling statistics, 88% of rapes in Utah go unreported. One of the main reasons survivors don’t come forward, and one that comes up often, is fear of not being believed.
“I Believe You” challenges Utahns to listen and to connect survivors with solid resources. For students at Southern Utah University, it’s a reminder that establishing a culture of care starts with only three words: “I believe you.”
Author: Keira Orton
Photos courtesy of Gabriela Fletcher/KSL
Editor: Anna Mower
news@suunews.net
