Women in Alachua County rallied together to start the local movement, “Start By Believing,” for this year’s sexual assault awareness month.
They were inspired by the Me Too and Times Up movements and wanted to start a local campaign to help give victims hope and make them feel comfortable enough to share their stories.
“Women used to keep quiet about that thing, and they can get mental illnesses and depression, PTSD, you know anxiety from that stuff and I don’t think any woman should live with that,” said Jessie Lazarchik of the Rape Crisis Center.
Strive UF is hosting a “Take Back The Night” event to rally against sexual violence.