College of Western Idaho (CWI) is supporting the Start by Believing campaign, which changes the way we respond to rape and sexual assault in our communities.
CWI Board of Trustees will read a proclamation stating Wednesday, April 3, as Start by Believing Day. The event will also feature the “What Were You Wearing?” Survivor Art Installation. The display combines the stories of sexual assault survivors with the clothes they were wearing when they were assaulted. The goal of the art installation is for participants to see themselves reflected in not only the outfits, but also the stories.
Most victims of sexual assault never report the crime to law enforcement, often because of the responses they receive from friends and family members. The Start by Believing campaign is designed to change this.
Criminal Justice faculty Stephanie Ritchie Breach and McKenzie Wood organized the event with Aleshea Boals, Victim Witness Coordinator at the Canyon County Sheriff’s Office. Students Jessica Hall, Tessa Moreno, Shelby Irwin, and Angela Parker assisted with the event as well.
Start by Believing Day Proclamation Reading and “What Were You Wearing?” Survivor Art Installation
Wednesday, April 3
Noon to 1 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building, 2nd Floor Atrium