Press Release: A young woman who overcame years of physical and sexual abuse then worked to change Florida law to better protect the rights of victims will walk through Pensacola, Gulf Breeze, Destin and Santa Rosa Beach from April 14 through April 19 as part of her 1,000-mile trek across the state for Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Lauren Book, who endured childhood sexual abuse for six years at the hands of her nanny, launched the ‘Walk in My Shoes’ campaign to raise awareness about sexual abuse. She will be joined by her family, friends and fellow survivors. Along the route she will visit sexual assault treatment centers, encourage families to use her interactive training tool to help parents better protect their children from predators, and conduct book signings for, It’s OK to Tell, her new memoir which is available in bookstores nationwide and on Amazon.com.
The walk throughout Florida began on March 19 in Key West and will end in Tallahassee on April 26, with a welcoming rally at the state Capitol. The walk aims to bring awareness to the issue of sexual abuse, promote changes in the law to enhance victim’s rights, educate parents and children about how to stay safer and encourages victims to speak out about their experiences.
Thursday, April 14
7 a.m. Start Line
Flora-Bama Oyster House Parking Lot
Alabama/Florida State Line
17401 Perdido Key Dr.
Pensacola, FL 32507
3:00 p.m. Finish Line
Seville Square
Corner of Government and Alcaniz St.
3:30 – 5 p.m. Trauma-Informed Care Task Force
Counselors speak about understanding trauma on adult survivors of
childhood sexual abuse and Lauren shares her experience
Book reading and signing
Lakeview Center
1211 West Lakeview Avenue
Pensacola, FL 32501
5:30 p.m. Lauren to speak with Women’s inpatient clients at Lakeview
Friday, April 15
7 a.m. Start Line
Plaza de Luna Pier
900 S. Palafox St.
Intersection of Jefferson & Palafox Streets
3:30 p.m. Finish Line
Holley by the Sea Recreation Center
6845 Navarre Pkwy.
Navarre, FL 32566
7 p.m. Book Signing
Books-A-Million
6235 N. Davis Hwy.
Pensacola, FL 32504
Sunday, April 17
7 a.m. Start Line
Wal-Mart Super Center
9414 Navarre Pkwy.
Navarre, FL 32566
3:30 p.m. Finish Line
Hampton Inn US98/CR2378
1625 Highway 98 East
Destin, FL 32541
Tuesday, April 19
7 a.m. Start Line
Henderson Beach State Park
7000 Emerald Coast Pkwy.
Destin, FL 32541
4 p.m. Finish Line
Grayton Beach State Park
367 Main Park Rd.
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459