End Violence Against Women International to Launch“Start by Believing” Campaign

National Effort Focuses on Improving Public Response to Sexual Assault

Addy, WA (December 15, 2010) – End Violence Against Women International, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the criminal justice response to rape and sexual assault, has partnered with FSA Management Group to launch a national “Start by Believing” public awareness campaign in April 2011. Research conducted by the Department of Justice estimates that as many as one in six American women will become the victim of rape or attempted rape during their lifetimes, and the numbers are even higher on campus, where as many as one in four women may be sexually assaulted by the time they earn their college degree.  Such alarming statistics are currently fueling an unprecedented level of attention and funding by the federal government, to address the problem of campus sexual assault and sexual assault more generally.

Start by Believing is a public awareness campaign uniquely focused on the public response to sexual assault. Because a friend or family member is typically the first person a victim confides in after an assault, each individual’s personal reaction is the first step in a long path toward justice and healing. Knowing how to respond is critical—a negative response can worsen the trauma and foster an environment where sexual assault predators face zero consequences for their crimes.

Because rapists attack an average of six times, one failed response can equal five more 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 is an important campaign that comes at a critical time,” says Joanne Archambault, Executive Director of EVAW International. “There is no shame when tragedy strikes – when a loved one dies or someone is diagnosed with cancer. People are not blamed for ‘bringing it on themselves.’ It should be the same with sexual violence. Rape and sexual assault are just as devastating, but all too often, women who have the courage to tell someone what happened are blamed for their perceived role in the attack. Our campaign is designed to change this mentality—to improve our individual responses as the first step in improving society as a whole.”

Start by Believing will be launched during Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April 2011 in conjunction with the International Conference on Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence and Stalking hosted by EVAW International April 11-13 in Chicago. The campaign will feature unique messaging and materials aimed at engaging the public, web and social media outreach and opportunities for corporate partnership and support.

About EVAW International

EVAW International was founded by Sergeant Joanne Archambault (Retired, San Diego Police Department) in 2003, with the goal of improving the criminal justice response to violence against women. Working with professionals inside and outside the system, we seek to improve outcomes for victims, pursuing accountability for their assailants and preventing future attacks.

We envision a world where gender-based violence is unacceptable on every level — and the victims whose lives, families and communities are torn apart receive the compassion, support and justice they deserve. When we create a system that helps survivors not only to heal, but to thrive, they will transform our world with strength, hope, and joy. Learn more at www.evawintl.org.

About FSA

Founded in 1969, FSA Management Group provides professional services to associations representing thousands of members worldwide. FSA also offers professional support for companies seeking services such as event planning and production, marketing, public relations, graphic design, sponsorship sales and site selection. FSA’s mission is to offer creative management solutions to organizations seeking to grow, diversify, and thrive in an ever-changing global society. For more information visit www.aboutfsa.com.

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CONTACT
Lorie Sandaine
Public Relations
EVAW International
504-684-9800

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