Alexa's Thoughts About the Foundation

I am a rape survivor, but I also consider myself a survivor of the judicial system.

The effects of rape on a woman are long-lasting. But, after she has been victimized by her attacker, she is re-victimized by the court system. Everyone knows that rape is about control and power. Just as the rapist takes the power away from his victim, the court system does as well.

I spent two years worried and scared about going to trial for my case. The defense attorneys try and push back the date of the trial and use other tactics to intimidate the victim. For this reason so many of these heinous sexual crimes go unreported or the charges are dropped.

For this reason, it is very important for these victims to have their family members near them during this painful struggle. Hopefully, our Foundation will allow the victim's parents or other relatives to take time off of work to be there during the lengthy court process.

I know I could have never made it through that most difficult time in my life without my parents there with me. Every young girl or woman who has been raped should have access to the same support around her. I'm glad my parents have started this foundation to help make that possible.

~Alexa

December 2002

The It Happened to Alexa Foundation . . .

. . . because family is important to a victim's ability to heal.