A young woman who overcame years of physical and sexual abuse and then worked to change Florida laws to better protect the rights of victims will arrive at the steps of the historic Old Capitol on Feb. 22, completing a 1,500-mile walk throughout the state to combat childhood sexual abuse and empower victims to share their stories and begin healing.
Lauren Book, founder of Lauren’s Kids, who endured childhood sexual abuse for six years at the hands of her nanny, will cap her third “Walk In My Shoes” with a rally on the steps of the historic Old Capitol, surrounded by supporters and state leaders. There, she will promote the passage of SB 1816 and HB1355 to close a loophole in Florida’s abuse reporting law, and impose stiff penalties for institutions that fail to report abuse.
Book will be joined by state and local dignitaries including bill sponsors, Senator Benacquisto and Representative Dorworth, survivors, advocates and people who turned out to walk with Book around the state.
Her final walk will begin at the new Florida Blue center, where her basic health indicators will be checked and her BMI measured. Her walk will continue up Apalachee Parkway to the Governor’s Square Mall, where walkers will join her for the final mile of the walk up Apalachee Parkway to the steps of the historic Old Capitol.
