When responding professionals Start by Believing, survivors can safely report their experiences, and actions can be taken to prevent future violence.

This year, the Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) Police Department and the SUNO Center for Prevention and Advocacy teamed up to raise awareness of Start by Believing on campus.  

Why Start by Believing? 

SUNO’s Start by Believing campaign first launched in 2018 after identifying a campus culture of doubting victims and the need for training among law enforcement. One student, Jasmine, shared what it means to her to have Start by Believing at her school: 

“Our campus has almost no reports of sexual assault. I don’t believe it’s because it’s not happening. I believe it’s because it’s simply not being reported. It is important for our campus to have the Start by Believing campaign because it can give students the confidence to come forward and know that they will be heard and supported if they report an act of sexual violence.”    

The SUNO Police Department responded by training personnel using EVAWI’s Online Training Institute. The goal is to continue enhancing officers’ skills and knowledge base. 

Collective Effort 

The team also hosted one major engagement event, at two separate locations on campus. They started the day with SUNO faculty and staff at the Administrative Building, offering breakfast to anyone who stopped by to learn about Start by Believing. There was still plenty of food when they headed over to the University Center to engage with students who were interested in the campaign. 

Together, the team collected more than 200 pledges to Start by Believing! Everyone who made the pledge could take a selfie with the beautiful frame the team created. 

Afterwards, the team posted an Instagram reel to continue increasing awareness among SUNO students, faculty, and staff. 

Congratulations to the SUNO Police Department and the Center for Prevention and Advocacy on this remarkable effort to reach the entire campus community!