“Having waited 20 years for justice this shortened sentence makes justice feel incomplete. I take heart in the knowledge that the punishment for this crime is more certain today in Virginia. Many would think this closes a chapter of my life but in truth has only opened another. That chapter is helping other victims of sexual assault navigate the treacherous waters I have just come through. Helping them begin their journey though the legal maze and have the courage not to be defined by this act of violence.
As a family, we continue to fight for the rights of all male and female survivors of violent crime in general and sexual assault in particular, especially the rights of children. While today is difficult for us as a family, our fear and focus is that the release of Mr. Beebe so quickly, without his having cooperated with prosecutors on the gang-rape aspect of the case, will deter other victims from coming forward to authorities. They may feel it is not worth the fight. Our message is this: please do come forward, find your voice, allow the system to work and be your own advocates. We believe that those in places of authority will exercise extreme caution in the future with cold cases. Let this case be an example not of the failures of the system, but how we can make it better.
For the general public, please rally around those who have been sexually assaulted and do not let it become something so commonplace that we are immune to its devastating impact. With grace, support, prayer and guidance, help those in need, no matter the circumstances. Believe in them and assist them in any way you can. This has never been a womens’ issue, but a human rights issue and we have the duty to protect our fellow man from harm.
We’d like to thank Chief of Police Tim Longo, Detective Nicholas Rudman, Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Claude Worrell and Victim Advocate Cherri Murphy, who were so helpful to us during the past two years. We’d also like to thank the people of Charlottesville, for their hospitality and warm wishes.
We look forward to the next phase of our lives as advocates and committed and loving parents to our child, in order to make the world a safer place for her and all people.”
4 comments:
Liz,
Thank you for sharing your very eloquent statement. Your husband is right: you *are* articulate!
Of course you are understandably disappointed in the ridiculously light sentence William Beebe got for such a brutal crime, and because the other two rapists will never be brought to justice, but hopefully you can now begin to heal from the emotional wound Beebe re-opened two years ago.
I realize that you felt for a very long time that you didn't overcome the devastating effects of the rape, but eventually you did: *you* are happily married, the parent of a precious child, and running your own successful business, not William Beebe. So, in the end, *you* won, not him. Maybe you didn't win in the criminal justice system, but you won in life, while William Beebe continues to struggle.
So pat yourself on the back!
Mario
Now, if only the panic attacks would leave! Working on that!
I will be fine, I will be happy - heck I am happy. I am a normal working mom who had an extraordinary thing happen to her. What I really wanted to put forth is that this is not about me - it's always been about helping others.
I fear this tiny sentence sends the wrong message. One never overcomes a rape (or a severe accident, or combat, or emotional trauma) - it becomes a part of you, but hopefully, a part of you that leads to empathy, kindness and heart.
I only want Ava to grow up with that empathy chip so many are missing these days. I wish I could share photos of her on my blog, but there are too many sick folks out there.
Be well - we're hanging in and holding on!
Liz,
I didn't realize you still got panic attacks. I assumed that you got over them after you married Michael. I'm assuming that Beebe's letter caused the panic attacks to resume.
Mario
Liz,
I forgot to mention in my last message: I can certainly understood your protectiveness toward Ava: I was absolutely appalled when I read that you had received death threats and threats of rape! More than likely, they are just empty threats, but you never know!
Mario
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