Editor's note: a few weeks ago, our Scarsdale HamletHub editor, Lauren Mintzer, attended "Women Who Rock" at The Ridgefield Playhouse. The fundraising event benefited Jane Doe No More which was founded by Donna Palomba after she became a victim of sexual assault. Here, Lauren talks about the event and shares her exclusive interview with Palomba.
Two weeks ago I attended an event at the Ridgefield Playhouse, The Women Who Rock. The event featured Lauren DiNardo's Fashion Designs. Lauren DiNardo creates clothing and accessories with a positive purpose to empower women. The fashion show was a Benefit for Jane Doe No More, Inc. (JDNM) I sat in the audience and listened to Donna Palomba, the founder of JDNM speak about her experience as a rape victim in 1993. Her story and subsequent events after the rape were unbelievable. Quoting from the JDNM website, "The events will take you through the horror of a violent crime, a flawed and corrupt system, brilliant detective work and the power of DNA. Most importantly, it is a story of hope and perseverance, and bears witness to the fact that good will ultimately triumph over evil." Donna Palomba's story gave me such hope that we could all make a difference.
Jane Doe No More, Inc. was founded as a national 501c3 nonprofit in 2007 by sexual assault survivor Donna Palomba to help combat the stigmas surrounding sexual assault that compromised the investigation of her case, which took eleven years and a lawsuit against the investigating police department to resolve. Donna's case was the impetus for a governor's bill removing the statute of limitations on sexual assault cases involving DNA evidence in the state of Connecticut. Donna came forward nationally in a live interview on the TODAY show with Meredith Vieira in April 2007 to promote a 2-hour primetime Dateline NBC show on Donna's story titled 'The Man Behind the Mask'.
In 2010, Donna collaborated with investigative journalist and author M. William Phelps to tell her story in the book Jane Doe No More. By impacting police protocol, educating the general public, and ending the silence surrounding sexual assault Jane Doe No More, the nonprofit organization, is shortening the time from crime to healing for sexual assault survivors. Jane Doe No More is fighting for change to treat each victim with dignity and respect and end the silence that surrounds rape.
I asked Donna if I could spend some time with her and ask her a few questions.
Donna Palomba: So many victims of sexual assault are suffering in silence. We need to shine a bright light on this crime and speak about it openly in order to understand the enormity of the crime and its aftermath. I was re-victimized needlessly after I was raped at a vulnerable stage in my healing and it could have been prevented. There is a lot to learn from my story that can aid in helping first responders and society in general understand more about sexual assault.
HH: Have you seen a lot of changes since you founded Jane Doe No More in 2007?
DP: Yes and no. I have had the opportunity to meet a lot of people who feel comfortable sharing their story with me. Many are devastating journeys wrought with intimidation, blame and suffering permeated by our pervasive rape culture, even today. The good news is that more and more victims are breaking their silence and coming forward. Everyone needs to understand more about sexual assault in order to realize the tremendous impact this crime has on society as a whole. It is getting harder and harder to ignore this epidemic and recent legislation will ensure that additional education and processes are in place.
HH: What can we do to help?
DP: The time to act is now. Never before has sexual assault been more front and center in the news. Each of us has a responsibility to learn more about rape and sexual assault. Make the time to talk to your friends about the importance of sexual responsibility and looking out for each other. Take the initiative to call out a person who jokes about rape or is sexually harassing someone in your group. Realize that there are rape victims in your circle of friends that are reluctant to talk about it. Stop avoiding the issue, be a good listener and be supportive and understanding of the victim. Think about the way you would want your sister, mother or brother to be treated. We must be relentlessly united in breaking the cycle of rape.
You can find Jane Doe No More:
Twitter: @JaneDoeNoMoreNP
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/janedoenomore
