We Believe Survivors

People from all walks of life face forms of violence such as harassment and assault every day. We demand justice for these survivors. From large corporations to our schools, from the prison system to our hospitals, all institutions must shift from victim-blaming and unsupportive approaches to healing-centered methods to create a healthier and more connected society.

Problem 

Education and hospital systems interact with survivors of violence almost every day, and they need to be equipped with proper accountability mechanisms and supportive services. Unfortunately, conservatives continuously use their political power to minimize protection mechanisms, undermining all progress made to support survivors. When survivors are not believed or provided with essential resources, there are lasting psychological impacts that can later affect physical health and education.  

Existing education and healthcare systems need to address these consequences, as well as the inequities faced by Black, Indigenous, and communities of color in such systems.

Our Plan 

The education and healthcare systems must be revamped through trauma-informed approaches with diverse, culturally aligned staff available for students and patients. 

• Protect Title IX

  • Rollback the changes made by Betsy Devos and instead ensure that all students know how and are able to report and mandate that Title IX be applicable to all students. 

• Invest in school staff and student population training

  • Implement Restorative Justice Programs, which allow for the survivor and harm doer to address the violation with fellow trusted peers to reach a solution.

  • Mandate training on anti-racist and trauma-informed approaches.

  • Fund school counselors to be in every school and preferably representative of the school community. 

• Facilitate hospital staff training to support patients who are survivors, especially transgender people who have historically been misgendered and harmed in the medical system. 

• Incorporate comprehensive, age-appropriate, medically accurate sex education, including education on consent and healthy relationships 

• Advocate on all levels

  • Advocate on the local, state, and national level, through school boards and local hospitals, to pass legislation that would protect survivors without necessarily increasing criminalization of harm doers. 

  • Ensure there is accountability for harm based on what the survivor wants. 

This Matters 

When survivors are believed and centered in these institutions, our society becomes more accountable, more adept at addressing harm, and more supportive of creating healthier communities that will actually guarantee safety and protection for all people.