Start By Believing: Transforming the way we respond to sexual assault

Three little words that make a difference: "I believe you".

March was Social Workers month, and April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

OCJC is proud to participate in the Start By Believing campaign. Along with our partners, community leaders and their organizations, and everyday New Orleanians, we are taking the pledge to belive, support, and uplift survivors of sexual assault. 

Together, we can create a community where survivors feel heard, supported, and empowered to share their stories. Every survivor deserves to be believed, and every social worker plays a crucial role in offering the compassion and resources that survivors need on their healing journey.

The picture to the right shows the first of our partners taking the Pledge!

Are you ready to take the pledge?

To learn more, check out the Start By Beliving website. There, you access toolkits and resources for supporting survivors of sexual assault. When you're ready, Take The Pledge!

At OCJC, we pledge to Start By Believing because we are dedicated to supporting survivors on the road to justice and healing. Ending the silence around sexual assault is a step toward making our communities safer and more equitable. #StartByBelievingNOLA2025 #SBBNOLA

Take the pledge online or join us in person on Wednesday, 2 April 2025, by the main entrance to City Hall after 9 am. There's a chance to be featured on the OCJC Instagram page when you show your support by taking the pledge and sharing your commitment!

For more information about our Start By Believing campaign and to volunteer for the event on 2 April, please contact Latina Jolivett, LMSW, (504) 658-4991.