Survivor Achieves Ultimate Award!!
Above are pictures of the contents of Alexandra's comfort bags which are being distributed to sexual assault victims at the hospital as they wait for their exam. Donna has donated copies of her book hoping that her experiences will help other victims.
"I want to thank you again for all of your help Donna! Ever since I came back from Tallahassee after I read my impact statement, It has been an up and down ride but there have definitely been more ups! It is not a coincidence that this transformation happened around the time I started talking to you. I feel like God sent you to me to, like an angel to give me hope and faith to get me through these past few months. I feel so blessed that I've had you by my side the whole time to talk to and give me guidance. Thank you so much for giving me a glimpse of the life that I am strong enough to live, and appreciate too much to ever want to give up. I am so grateful for everything you have shared with me and encouraged me to do. You have made such a difference!
With endless appreciation, Alexandra"
With endless appreciation, Alexandra"
By: Lanetra Bennett April 22, 2013
Tallahassee, FL - Victims of violent and deadly crimes in the Big Bend spoke out today and honored those who help ease the pain. Survivors say they are finding hope through National Crime Victims' Rights Week.
Last summer, a woman took the witness stand to describe being raped at knife-point inside of her Tallahassee home. Monday, Alexandra boldly walked before a crowd of supporters - willingly sharing her story and identity - to be honored for her bravery.
Alexandra said at the podium, "I'm here because I was a victim, but circumstance has made me stronger. In an unexpected way it has brought new meaning and purpose to my life."
Alexandra's testimony, composite sketch and DNA from her sexual assault exam helped convict Jake Butler last July for her attack. During a National Victims' Rights Week luncheon Monday, she said her experience motivated her to make comfort bags for future rape victims.
Tallahassee, FL - Victims of violent and deadly crimes in the Big Bend spoke out today and honored those who help ease the pain. Survivors say they are finding hope through National Crime Victims' Rights Week.
Last summer, a woman took the witness stand to describe being raped at knife-point inside of her Tallahassee home. Monday, Alexandra boldly walked before a crowd of supporters - willingly sharing her story and identity - to be honored for her bravery.
Alexandra said at the podium, "I'm here because I was a victim, but circumstance has made me stronger. In an unexpected way it has brought new meaning and purpose to my life."
Alexandra's testimony, composite sketch and DNA from her sexual assault exam helped convict Jake Butler last July for her attack. During a National Victims' Rights Week luncheon Monday, she said her experience motivated her to make comfort bags for future rape victims.
The bags include a blanket, journal and pen, fuzzy socks, eye mask, scented soap pedals, lotion, Kleenex, lip balm, and a book, titled, "Undying Will." A personal message from Alexandra are also included in the bag. The comfort bags will be given to sexual assault victims at the hospital as they wait for their exam.
"Law enforcement, the state attorney's office, and my victim advocate, it's because of you that I have the strength the carry on and give back." Says, Alexandra.
Helen Gainous was the speaker at the luncheon. She talked about grieving her son's unsolved murder. Sylvester Davis was found dead in his home in 2005.
Gainous says, "For them to have this type of program, it just helps the families get through day by day. It's a program that needs to keep going on to let people know that they're not alone."
Candles were lit to honor murder victims as their names were displayed.Memorial Boards of the victims that were on display at the State Capitol until Thursday. They will be among memorial boards of victims from throughout Florida.
"Law enforcement, the state attorney's office, and my victim advocate, it's because of you that I have the strength the carry on and give back." Says, Alexandra.
Helen Gainous was the speaker at the luncheon. She talked about grieving her son's unsolved murder. Sylvester Davis was found dead in his home in 2005.
Gainous says, "For them to have this type of program, it just helps the families get through day by day. It's a program that needs to keep going on to let people know that they're not alone."
Candles were lit to honor murder victims as their names were displayed.Memorial Boards of the victims that were on display at the State Capitol until Thursday. They will be among memorial boards of victims from throughout Florida.