Austin launches ATXBelieves resource website for sexual violence survivors
This article covers sexual assault and violence. If you are in distress, please reach out to RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673 or online. SAFE Austin also provides SAFEline at 512-267-7233, by text at 737-888-7233, and as an online chat.
AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The City of Austin announced the launch of its website "ATXBelieves" on Thursday, as part of a larger reform project started following a 2021 settlement and 2022 review, both related to how the Austin Police Department had mishandled sexual assault cases.
ATXBelieves is a straightforward website, mostly comprised of category pages that provide links to relevant organizations and government agencies. Beyond category summaries, the site doesn't describe what an organization does or what services it provides.
The website also features a quick exit button that takes the user to their homepage. The site is still logged in the web browser's history, so users who believe someone is monitoring their internet usage should take care.
“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 APD Interim Police Chief Robin Henderson in a press release. “There are so many resources available and people who are ready to listen and help, many of whom are survivors themselves.”
The website is part of APD's Collective Sex Crimes Response Model project, which began after a 2022 review of the agency by the Police Executive Research Forum and a lawsuit settlement.
The lawsuit was brought in 2018 against Travis County and the City of Austin by 14 women, who said that agencies failed to properly investigate and prosecute their cases. The case was settled in 2021.
Travis County said it would make changes following the lawsuit, with newly elected Travis County District Attorney José Garza promising significant policy changes in the District Attorney's Office.
KXAN has reached out to several local advocacy groups for their perspective on the website and with the reforms.