Jenny’s Story

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Dear Friend,

With 1 in 4 women and 1 in 33 men experiencing sexual violence, we need your help now more than ever.

Last year, because of the support of individuals like you, our trauma-informed care team responded to 1,513 crisis calls through our 24/7 hotline, collected DNA evidence for 274 victims of sexual assault, conducted 1,651 individual and group therapy sessions to begin the healing journey, and reached 155,844 people through outreach efforts.

We have made tremendous progress since we opened our doors in 1999. However, we need your help to continue to grow and provide lifesaving support to our community. Your generous contribution allows the victims we serve to heal, recover from trauma, and transform into survivors.

At the Victim Service Center, our team responds 24 hours a day to individuals in a state of crisis, desperately needing help. Jenny (whose name is changed for confidentiality) is a current client of the Victim Service Center. We are sharing her story with you today to show you how vital your support truly is:

Image- 2 womenOne evening a couple of weeks ago, Jenny, a 29 year old woman living in Orlando, was walking home when a car slowed down next to her. At first, the two men in the car offered to give her a ride. When she said no, they became angry and started screaming at her. She immediately knew she was in danger and started to run.

The car pulled over and the two men got out and began to follow her on foot. They quickly caught up with her and pushed her on the ground. At first she fought, covering her head and curling up, but the blows to her face and body came too quickly to defend. She was knocked unconscious while they continued to beat her and rape her. When she woke up, she was lying on the ground. Her survival instincts kicked in and even though she was confused, she got up and started running.

Jenny ran for safety as fast as she could, with her clothing ragged and torn, even though she had been badly beaten. In extreme pain, she was able to make it to a nearby convenience store. The clerk quickly realized Jenny was very hurt and called 911 for help.

Our crisis intervention team was dispatched including a Master’s Level Crisis Counselor and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. Jenny was quickly taken to one of our very own private and confidential forensic examination facilities. She was disoriented, confused and in shock. Her face was swelling and bruising was starting to cover her whole body. She was in extreme pain, exhausted, and hungry. Within an hour our Crisis Intervention Team was there to comfort Jenny, examine her and collect critical DNA forensic evidence which can be used to prosecute her attackers in court. Jenny was also provided with medications to prevent sexually transmitted diseases. She was able to shower, she was given new clothing and a warm meal, and was compassionately supported during this extremely traumatic time.Image woman

Jenny and her Crisis Counselor immediately began the road to recovery speaking together and discussing the next steps in her healing journey. We are honored to be a part of the healing process to help Jenny become a survivor.

By having early access to her Crisis Counselor, Jenny was able to see that there could be a road to recovery. But, she won’t travel it alone. With your support, the Victim Service Center Team will be there every single step of the way.

Right now, your investment of any amount will help a victim in Central Florida. Please visit our website www.victimservicecenter.org/donate/ to make your gift today. Every Holiday season we see a spike in sexual assaults. Your gift will ensure victims like Jenny will get the lifesaving support they desperately need.

Today, by giving a gift, you can invest in our community and help transform a victim into a survivor.

With much appreciation,

Lui Damiani
Executive Director