Denver, Colorado – Today marked Start by Believing Day, an event focused on supporting sexual assault survivors by affirming their experiences. Denver District Attorney John Walsh, Police Chief Ron Thomas, and The Blue Bench’s Laura Patlan, along with survivors Brianna Janae (BJ), Kirstie Klein, and Dea Bender, participated in the event.

Dea Bender, a former client of The Blue Bench and owner of the gallery hosting the 4th annual RISE Survivor Art Show, helped open the event. The art show will feature 90 pieces created by sexual assault survivors and will be on display at M & D Artistries, located at 773 Santa Fe Drive, until April 30.

Statistics shared during the event indicated that 1 in 2 women, 1 in 3 men, and 1 in 2 trans/nonbinary individuals may experience sexual assault in their lifetime. Officials emphasized the importance of showing empathy towards survivors, encouraging community members to believe survivors just as they would support victims of other crimes.

For those seeking assistance, the following resources were provided:

• The Blue Bench – Sexual Assault Hotline: 303-322-7273

• Denver Health Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners: 303-602-3007

• Denver Police Victim Assistance Unit: 720-913-6035

Additional information about the campaign and resources is available at www.Denvergov.org/StartbyBelieving. This event marks Denver’s 11th year participating in the Start by Believing campaign.

Source: Denver Police

Source Type: Police

Source Location: Denver

Bend, OR

https://www.facebook.com/974791771343007/posts/1086684003487116

Austin Warns of Icy Spots, Increase in Falls

Austin warns of icy spots; residents advised to use railings for safety.

Bender Private Wealth Returns as Scranton Race Sponsor

Bender Private Wealth returns as a sponsor of the Scranton Half Marathon.

Wood Library Releases 2025 Top Borrowed Books List

Wood Library reveals 2025’s most borrowed titles across all age groups.

Albuquerque Sunport Debuts Modern Upgrades and Amenities

Albuquerque Sunport modernizes with new dining, retail, and enhanced amenities.

Static Electricity Science Event at Lackawanna Library

Children explore static electricity science through hands-on experiments at a library event.

Tao Showcases Genre-Bending Tribute at Nashville Symphony

Conrad Tao blends genres in Nashville tribute to piano legend John Adams.

Austin Holiday Shifts Waste Collection Schedules

Austin reschedules holiday trash, recycling, and composting services in Austin.

Red Newt Cellars Introduces Spiced Mexican Hot Chocolate Treat

Red Newt features spicy hot chocolate pate served with port-style wine.

Orpheum Hosts Holiday Camp Spectacle

Orpheum Theatre hosts the Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show with humor and dance.

Greeley Library Launches New Podcast Episode

High Plains Library debuts podcast featuring unique book recommendations and discussions.