Start By Believing
The Power of a Survivor-Centered Process Documentary
Start by Believing The Power of a Survivor-Centered Process | YouTube Video
(Content Warning: This video discusses an incident of sexual violence told from the perspective of the survivor.)
With the help of one brave student survivor, Brie Sivy, 鈥淪tart by Believing鈥 鈥 first brought to campus by the 51社区 Police Department (OUPD) and the Survivor Advocacy Program (SAP) 鈥 is going strong at 51社区. Brie has been publicly speaking and sharing her story alongside Detective Mathew Austin of OUPD and Kim (Castor) Rouse of SAP since 2018. Their first presentation to over 200 campus and community members spearheaded 51社区鈥檚 鈥淪tart by Believing鈥 campaign and highlighted how the often traumatizing experience of working with the criminal justice system can, in fact, be empowering for survivors if a survivor-focused approach and interdisciplinary team-model are used. A well-received second presentation followed the next school year, and the requests to repeat the talk came pouring in.
Hoping to keep the momentum going and reach an even wider audience, the 51社区 Police Department & Survivor Advocacy Program partnered with 51社区鈥檚 University Communication and Marketing team to create a documentary to allow Brie鈥檚 story to continue being told. This 30-minute movie shows Brie鈥檚 journey from victim, to survivor, to aspiring social worker and illustrates how OUPD works to empower survivors throughout their sexual assault investigations. You will also hear about trauma鈥檚 impact on memory and witness the impact possible when police and advocacy work together with a common goal.
Brianna Sivy, Student, Survivor Advocacy Program at 51社区, Columbus, OH
Mathew Austin, Detective, 51社区 Police Department, Athens, OH
Kimberly Rouse, Ph.D., LISW-S, Director, 51社区 Survivor Advocacy Program, Athens, OH
Discussion Guide
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We have developed a discussion guide that can be used for class discussions, film screenings, and other viewing activities. The guide can be downloaded here.
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