11:00 a.m.
ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - In an act of kindness and demonstration of compassion for fellow survivors of sexual violence, the woman who was beaten and sexually assaulted in May while jogging in Haile Plantation has made a financial donation of $10,000 to the Alachua County Victim Services & Rape Crisis Center. The woman plans to make an additional donation by year's end once the final costs associated with her attack have been determined.
In the days and weeks following the assault, the survivor received a tremendous outpouring of love, sympathy, and support from the Gainesville community. In an additional show of support, a trust fund was established by concerned citizens to assist the victim with various costs associated with the attack. In a press release issued May 26 to TV 20 the family stated, "After paying for the expenses associated with the assault, the family plans to donate the remaining funds to our community's rape crisis center."
In making this donation, the Haile jogger hopes to ensure that sufficient financial resources are available to assist other survivors of sexual violence, particularly those who are not be able to pay for the costs associated with medical care and mental health services.
"Her desire to provide financial support for the Alachua County Rape Crisis Center shows that love and generosity can overcome the devastation that is left in the aftermath of a sexual assault," said Loretta Golden, the Center's director. "It also shows that one person truly can make a difference in the lives of others."
The Alachua County Victim Services & Rape Crisis Center has been helping victims of crime since 1977. The agency offers a range of free and confidential services with an emphasis on support to the victim's full recovery. Additional information on the center's services can be found by visiting
http://www.alachuacounty.us/government/depts/css/vicserv/ or calling 352-264-6760 or toll free (866) 252-5439.
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