Austin Promotes Sexual Assault Resource Website

Austin, its police department and partner agencies recently launched a sexual assault survivor resource website.

ATX Believes was created as part of the Collective Sex Crimes Response Model Project, a comprehensive project aimed at overhauling the Austin Police Department’s sex crimes unit.

The website has 10 content areas listing regional agencies, resources and links to legal information for sexual assault survivors. The website is available in both English and Spanish.

This week, the city announced a public awareness campaign to promote the website, which is an effort “highlighting resources and fostering a safe space to seek help.” Project partners include the Austin Police Department and the Austin-Travis County Sexual Assault Response and Resource Team.

“If you or someone you know are a survivor of sexual assault, we want you to find comfort in knowing that we’re here for you and we want to help,” said Austin Interim Police Chief Robin Henderson in the announcement. “There are so many resources available and people who are ready to listen and help, many of whom are survivors themselves.”

The Collective Sex Crimes Response Model Project was borne of two lawsuits involving sexual assault cases and a Police Executive Research Forum report. The project started in January 2023 and involves multiple players, including a plaintiff in one of the cases, nonprofit agencies, universities, subject matter experts, advocates and survivors.