January 29, 2015 – Statement of Support from a Survivor of Rape
In response to the verdicts issued, the victim makes the following statement:
Thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout this difficult process.
I am thankful that the criminal justice system will hold the defendants responsible for their violent crimes. The hard work of the law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and victims’ advocates who dedicated so many months of their lives to this case has made justice possible.
I want to especially thank Detective Jason Mayo, Sergeant Mike Shreeve, Detective Chad Gish, Deputy District Attorney Tom Thurman, Assistant District Attorneys Jan Norman and Roger Moore, and Victims’ Advocates Wanda Swan, Lieutenant Rochelle Barrios, and Teresa Shearon. You are my heroes, and I am so proud of and grateful for each of you.
I am also hopeful that the publicity this case has received will lead to a discussion of how we can end sexual violence on college campuses.
Finally, I want to remind other victims of sexual violence: You are not alone. You are not to blame.
Thank you.