LACASA President & CEO Bobette Schrandt (center) is joined by representatives from local law enforcement agencies and the Prosecutor’s office after signing the Start by Believing pledge.

Howell, MI – LACASA, a leading provider of services to survivors of child abuse, domestic violence and sexual violence, has officially launched the Livingston County Start by Believing campaign with an event featuring an educational video, a survivor’s testimonial, and the signing of pledges by law enforcement and community leaders. This global public awareness campaign aims to end the silence surrounding sexual assault and change the way communities respond to survivors.

Supported by a grant from the CSX Foundation, LACASA teamed up with the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office and the Livingston County Prosecutor’s Office for the campaign which underscores the importance of believing survivors, offering support, and connecting them with resources. The goal is to work together to create a culture where survivors feel safe coming forward and seeking help, knowing they will be met with compassion and understanding at every step, and not judgment or disbelief.

LACASA President & CEO Bobette Schrandt looks on as Livingston County Sheriff Mike Murphy and Chief Assistant Prosecutor Christina Richards sign the Stary by Believing pledge.

“For too long, survivors of sexual violence have faced barriers to justice and healing,” LACASA President and CEO Bobette Schrandt told the group of law enforcement officers, community advocates, and local leaders who attended the event. “They have felt unheard, unsupported, and alone. But today, we are sending a powerful message as we tell them, ‘We believe you,” she added.

After watching a video (below) further explaining the importance of believing survivors, attendees signed a pledge promising that if someone discloses they were a victim of sexual assault, they will Start by Believing. The first to sign were Livingston County Sheriff Mike Murphy and Livingston County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Cristina Richards, who were also featured in the video. Schrandt was quick to praise their partnership and leadership of the initiative.

“They truly understand the critical difference believing survivors makes in terms of keeping our community safe, increasing prosecution and conviction rates, and keeping perpetrators off the streets,” she said.

Over the next several months the campaign will include:

  • Public awareness messages: educating the community about the importance of believing survivors and how to support them.
  • Training for professionals: equipping law enforcement, healthcare providers, and other professionals with the tools and knowledge to respond effectively to sexual assault disclosures.
  • Community events: engaging the public in conversations about sexual assault and promoting a culture of support.

LACASA invites all members of the Livingston County community to join in the Start By Believing movement. Those wishing to bring a Start by Believing presentation to their organization or workplace should contact LACASA Sexual Assault Response Team Manager Sherry Boroto at SBoroto@lacasacenter.org.