Somerville Names Day In Honor Of Sexual Assault Survivors

SOMERVILLE, MA — Mayor Katjana Ballantyne signed a proclamation earlier this week that declares April 2 as “Start by Believing Day” in the city.

The symbolic significance of the day is to emphasize that the city supports those who come out with allegations of sexual violence.

“Believing survivors is a choice that each of us can make,” Ballantyne said. “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.”

Ballantyne was also joined by Somerville Police Victim and Witness Advocate Maureen DiPaolo and Somerville Commission for Women Chair Kimberly Sheridan to reportedly discuss how the city can best support victims and survivors, and that believing them is an important first step.

The “Start By Believing” campaign is a global initiative led by End Violence Against Women International to transform the way society responds to sexual assault. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Somerville.