'Start By Believing' Day Celebrated In Claremore

About 50 people gathered on the steps of the Rogers County Courthouse steps to take a stand against sexual assault and support the first-ever global "Start By Believing" day.

District Attorney Matt Ballard, his prosecutors and support staff were joined by sexual assault survivors, members of law enforcement, victim advocates and members of the local media.

Ballard kicked this campaign off in his northeast Oklahoma district, which includes Craig, Mayes and Rogers counties last year.  He has also spearheaded an effort to join the international "Start By Believing" day aimed at supporting victims and preventing future attacks.   

“Of all violent crimes sexual assaults tend to be the most psychologically damaging.  We owe it to our community to do everything in our power to enable survivors to come forward and help us stop those determined to hurt more victims,” said Ballard.

The Start by Believing campaign was created in 2011 by End Violence Against Women International.