Advocate Walks Final Mile of 1,500-mile Journey Across Florida to Combat Childhood Sexual Abuse
State Leaders to Join Her at Old Capitol to Advocate for Tougher Laws
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – 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.
WHAT: ‘Walk in My Shoes’ Final Mile and Rally in Tally
START Location Start -Time
Florida Blue Center Wednesday, Feb. 22
2116 Apalachee Parkway 10 a.m.
Tallahassee, FL 32301
FINAL MILE
Location Start – Time
Governor’s Square Mall Wednesday, Feb. 22
JCPenny’s parking lot (SW corner) 11:15 a.m.
1500 Apalachee Parkway
Tallahassee, FL 32301
*Expected to walk with Lauren to the Capitol is Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi and Representative Will Weatherford
CAPITOL RALLY
Location Start – Time
Historic Old Capitol, front steps Wednesday, Feb. 22 Tallahassee, FL 32301 Noon
*Expected to join Lauren at the rally at the Capitol is Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam, Senate President Mike Haridopolos and Representative Chris Dorworth
