Denver Encourages All to Start by Believing Victims of Sexual Assault

Denver Encourages All to Start by Believing Victims of Sexual Assault

Published on April 01, 2026

Start by Believing Campaign Enters Twelfth Year in Denver

DENVER - April 1, 2026 - The first Wednesday in April marks Start by Believing Day, which is a day to encourage everyone to Start by Believing victims of sexual assault - as they would believe a victim of any other crime. This morning, District Attorney John Walsh, Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas, Denver Health Forensic Nurse Program Manager Michelle Metz, Co-Director of Client Services at The Blue Bench Laura Patlan, Program Director for the Rose Andom Center Natasha Adler, and two artists who are survivors of sexual assault, stood in solidarity to encourage everyone to start by believing victims of sexual assault.

The two survivors, Jaz Palmer and Taylor Carlton, spoke on the importance of believing survivors of sexual assault and how creating art helps with their healing process. Jaz is the featured artist in The Blue Bench's fifth annual RISE Survivor Art Show. The RISE Survivor Art Show will display 50 art pieces created by survivors of sexual assault and is open to the public from April 3 to April 25, at 40 West Gallery in Lakewood located at 6501 West Colfax Avenue. Additional pieces are available online.

"The Denver DA's Office takes every allegation of sexual assault with the utmost seriousness, and that begins by believing survivors," said DA Walsh. "Start by Believing Day provides an opportunity to let survivors know not only that we believe them, but that we will do everything in our power to comfort and support them, and to provide justice in their cases."

As is evident in news stories and personal stories, survivors of sexual assault are often still not believed by society, when in reality, fewer than 5% of sexual assault reports are false, which is a rate similar to other crimes. This is why the Start by Believing campaign continues to encourage friends, families, co-workers, and outcry witnesses to believe victims of sexual assault.

Additionally, research shows that one in two women, one in three men, and one in two trans/nonbinary individuals will experience some form of completed or attempted sexual assault within their lifetimes. This makes it extremely likely that everyone knows or will know someone who was sexually assaulted.

This is why the Start by Believing campaign is so important. Start by Believing encourages everyone to learn how best to respond when someone discloses what happened to them, and the response is simple - "I believe you". "I am sorry this happened". "I am here for you". Remaining nonjudgmental and refraining from victim blaming increases the likelihood the survivor will seek and receive help. Believing is a simple act of compassion that can transform lives.

There are many resources and paths survivors can take. These options include contacting a victim advocate, such as The Blue Bench or visiting the Rose Andom Center, having a SANE examination completed by Denver Health, and/or reporting it to Denver Police, who investigate and then work with the Denver District Attorney's Office to hold offenders accountable.

"The Denver Police Department Starts by Believing survivors of sexual assault and has a specialized investigative unit along with a team of victims' assistants who work with survivors on their journey towards justice and healing," said Chief Thomas. "DPD knows how important it is when a survivor of sexual assault is believed by their loved ones and how being believed positively impacts their journey to healing."

Research also shows victims of sexual assault typical tell a friend or family member first of their sexual assault. If someone says they were robbed, they are almost always believed, and the same reaction and response should be shared when someone says they were sexually assaulted - belief. "

At Denver Health, we understand that seeking care after a sexual assault takes courage," said Metz, RN. "Our priority is to create a supportive, respectful environment where patients feel believed, informed and empowered. By honoring each patient's choices and responding with empathy, we help ensure access to compassionate care without judgment or barriers."

There are many resources for information seekers and survivors at the following links:

• Denvergov.org/StartbyBelieving
• The Blue Bench - Sexual Assault Hotline - 303-322-7273
• Denver Health Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners - 303-602-3007
• Denver Police Victim Assistance Unit - 720-913-6035
• Rose Andom Center - 720-337-4400

Additionally, the following partners are helping Denver "shine a light" on the importance of starting by believing by illuminating their buildings in teal, the official color of the campaign, throughout the first week of April:

• Denver City and County Building
• Ellie Caulkins Opera House at the Denver Performing Arts Complex
• Buell Theater at the Denver Performing Arts Complex
• Denver McNichols Building
• Ball Arena
• Empower Field at Mile High
• Denver Health

"Start by Believing isn't just a slogan - it's an integral part of what it means to show up for and support survivors of sexual assault," said Patlan "It is a conscious choice we make to honor a survivor's story, listen without judgment, and remind them and ourselves that it is not their fault."

In Denver's twelfth year of participating in this educational campaign, the message is the same - believe victims of sexual assault. The Start by Believing campaign was developed by End Violence Against Women International (EVAWI). Throughout the month of April, DPD will share information on the importance of believing, consent and other sexual assault awareness information on Facebook.com/denverpolice and Instagram.com/denverpolice pages. Video from today's press conference.

• Police Department