Prescott Police Chief Brings Start By Believing Campaign to Yavapai College
Prescott Police Chief Jerald Monahan, along with several other local law enforcement officials, spoke at Yavapai College this week on the Start by Believing public awareness campaign, designed by End Violence Against Women International (EVAWI) to change the way we respond to rape and sexual assault in our communities. Yavapai College is the first community college in the nation to adopt the campaign.
Chief Monahan has been dedicated to addressing violence against women throughout his 36-year law enforcement career. Through his commitment, he helped make Arizona the first Start by Believing state.
The Start by Believing campaign is 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, as a negative response can worsen the trauma and foster an environment where perpetrators face zero consequences for their crimes.
Yavapai College President, Dr. Penelope Wills, Chief Monahan, and other local law enforcement leaders signed Yavapai College's proclamation stating that they will be a campus that supports victims of sexual violence by adopting the Start by Believing Campaign.
For more information visit the Start By Believing website