“The new Title IX enforcement guidelines issued by Secretary DeVos strip survivors of their dignity with unnecessary and potentially cruel and demeaning policies. In the wake of the #MeToo movement and reports of widespread abuse in a wide variety of institutions, we should be focused on empowering sexual assault survivors and ensuring justice is served. [Read more…] about Statement by Sen. Lauren Book Regarding the Title IX Proposal Issued by Education Secretary Betsy DeVos
Senator Lauren Book
Senator Lauren Book Recognized at Glamour Magazine 2018 Women of the Year Summit and Awards Ceremony in New York City
Senator Book awarded the “Heroes Among Us” award
For her efforts to increase education and awareness of child sexual abuse prevention throughout the country and the world, Florida State Senator Lauren Book was honored at the Glamour Magazine annual Women of the Year Summit and Awards Ceremony in New York City. [Read more…] about Senator Lauren Book Recognized at Glamour Magazine 2018 Women of the Year Summit and Awards Ceremony in New York City
Sen. Lauren Book to be Recognized at Glamour Magazine 2018 Women of the Year Summit and Awards Ceremony in New York City
Sen. Book to receive the “Heroes Among Us” award
For her efforts to increase education and awareness of child sexual abuse prevention throughout the country and the world, Florida State Senator Lauren Book will be honored at the Glamour Magazine annual Women of the Year Summit and Awards Ceremony in New York City. [Read more…] about Sen. Lauren Book to be Recognized at Glamour Magazine 2018 Women of the Year Summit and Awards Ceremony in New York City
Florida Senator Lauren Book Regarding Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Investigation into Sexual Abuse by Florida Priests & Survivors Coming Forward
Regarding State Attorney General Pam Bondi’s
Investigation into Sexual Abuse by Florida Priests
On the investigation:
“I commend our Attorney General, Pam Bondi, for launching an investigation into any possible child sexual abuse committed by Catholic priests in Florida, following the news that more than 1,000 children were victimized by priests in Pennsylvania. Sadly, we know these instances are not isolated. [Read more…] about Florida Senator Lauren Book Regarding Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Investigation into Sexual Abuse by Florida Priests & Survivors Coming Forward
Statement by Florida Senator Lauren Book, Child Sexual Abuse Survivor and Founder of Lauren’s Kids
Regarding the Findings of a Missouri Sex Offender Registry Audit
“The findings of a Missouri state audit revealing nearly 1,300 registered sex offenders to be unaccounted for is an imminent threat to the safety of children and families in Missouri and beyond. In one part of the state, nearly 80 percent of the most dangerous predators – those who have raped, sodomized or committed first- or second-degree child molestation – are missing. This is absolutely terrifying, outrageous, and unacceptable. [Read more…] about Statement by Florida Senator Lauren Book, Child Sexual Abuse Survivor and Founder of Lauren’s Kids
Marsy’s Law for Florida Releases Statewide “Yes on Amendment 6” Ad Campaign Featuring Lauren Book
Appealing to voters from the perspective of a survivor of child sexual abuse, a new “Yes on Amendment 6” ad featuring Lauren Book is now running across Florida. [Read more…] about Marsy’s Law for Florida Releases Statewide “Yes on Amendment 6” Ad Campaign Featuring Lauren Book
Statement by Florida Senator Lauren Book, Child Sexual Abuse Survivor and Founder of Lauren’s Kids
Regarding Supreme Court Hearing on Amendment 6/Marsy’s Law for Florida
“The Florida Supreme Court was in South Florida today hearing arguments for why Amendment 6, also known as Marsy’s Law for Florida, should remain on the November General Election ballot. More than political or legal theatre, this is an issue that is so important and so deeply personal to Floridians who are survivors of crime, including me. [Read more…] about Statement by Florida Senator Lauren Book, Child Sexual Abuse Survivor and Founder of Lauren’s Kids
Statement from Florida Senator Lauren Book, Child Sexual Abuse Survivor and Founder of Lauren’s Kids
Regarding Pennsylvania Grand Jury Interim Report
on Child Sexual Abuse by Roman Catholic Clergy
“The credible allegations of more than 1,000 victims of child sexual assault by Roman Catholic clergy throughout Pennsylvania are revolting. Over the course of 80 years, 300 predator priests were permitted to prey on their parishioners and their parishioners’ children, creating a scale of abuse never before documented. [Read more…] about Statement from Florida Senator Lauren Book, Child Sexual Abuse Survivor and Founder of Lauren’s Kids
CFO Jimmy Patronis Meets with Southeast Florida First Responders to Highlight Signing of Bill to Expand PTSD Benefits
CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis today was joined by the bill sponsors for Senate Bill 376, Senator Lauren Book and Representative Matt Willhite, and members of the fire service and law enforcement communities from across Southeast Florida and Palm Beach County to highlight the signing of SB 376, expanding mental health benefits for first responders. Gov. Rick Scott signed the bill last week in Tampa surrounded by hundreds of first responders from across the state.
Maternal Mental Health Advocacy Day Jan. 29
2018 is a landmark year for Maternal Mental Health in Florida as the legislature considers Senate Bill 138, the “Florida Families First Act,” filed by Senator Lauren Book. The Florida Maternal Mental Health Collaborative is hosting a Maternal Mental Health Advocacy Day in Tallahassee on Monday, January 29, 2018.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, postpartum depression is the most common, yet also most under-diagnosed, obstetrical complication in our county impacting women, infants and their families. Approximately 40,000 Florida families will be affected by a maternal mental health disorder. Most medical care providers don’t screen for these disorders and if they do, they are unsure of local specialized resources to help care for their patients’ needs. Maternal mental health disorders can occur during pregnancy and up to one year after delivery. This can include mild to severe depression and anxiety; and the less common but very serious postpartum psychosis that presents a need for emergency medical attention.
Since its founding in 2016, the Florida Maternal Mental Health Collaborative has brought together increasing numbers of various professional disciplines, advocates and survivors across the state to partner for positive change in awareness, education and services for maternal mental illnesses.
Partners from across the state will convene in Tallahassee on Monday, January 29 to educate and advocate for attention to these needs addressing postpartum depression and related illnesses. The Florida Families First Act has passed favorably through its first committee appearance, the Senate Health Policy Committee and will now be sent before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services.
