Mayor Katjana Ballantyne signed a proclamation declaring April 2 as “Start by Believing Day” in the City of Somerville, affirming the City’s commitment to supporting survivors of sexual violence and fostering a community where everyone feels safe, heard, and believed. The proclamation marks the launch of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) in Somerville. 

To further highlight this commitment, Mayor Ballantyne joined Maureen DiPaolo, Victim/Witness Advocate with the Somerville Police Department, and Kimberly Sheridan, Chair of the Somerville Commission for Women, for an in-depth conversation on how the City supports survivors, and why believing someone when they disclose abuse is a powerful and necessary first step toward healing and justice. Their discussion will be available on the CityTV YouTube channel and the Somerville Commission for Women webpage soon.

“Believing survivors is a choice that each of us can make,” said Mayor Ballantyne. “This proclamation is just one step, but it’s an important one. Together with our community partners, we are making it clear that in Somerville, we start by believing.”

The “Start By Believing” campaign is a global initiative led by End Violence Against Women International (EVAWI) to transform the way society responds to sexual assault. In Somerville, City departments and community organizations are joining together to take the pledge and support a cultural shift that prioritizes survivor support. 

For more information and resources, the Department of Racial and Social Justice and the Somerville Commission for Women will be housing relevant materials, statistics, and more information about the campaign on their webpage throughout April.