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

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