In a powerful op-ed published by the Hartford Courant, The Alliance’s Executive Director Beth Hamilton challenges us all to rethink how our culture and institutions respond to survivors of sexual violence. While public awareness has grown, meaningful systemic change remains too slow — and too many survivors continue to be retraumatized when they seek justice, support, or simply to be heard.
Hamilton writes: “Sexual violence thrives in silence, disbelief, and complicity; it ends when we choose to listen, believe, and act.”
Read the full op-ed here to learn why believing survivors must be more than a hashtag — it must be a commitment.
Do you need support? Our free, confidential hotline is available 24/7/365 to survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones. Call 1-888-999-5545 (English) or 1-888-568-8332 (Español) — no matter when the violence occurred. You’re not alone.