Walk in My Shoes: 2010 – 2018
For eight consecutive years from 1010 to 2018, Lauren Book and the Lauren’s Kids team took advocacy to the streets. Joined by thousands of survivors, community members, and advocates on Florida’s highways and byways, we walked to raise awareness for childhood sexual abuse. Walking 1,500 miles from the Panhandle to the Keys, across both the east and west coasts of Florida and communities in between, with the message that “It’s OK to Tell,” – and it’s OK to heal, Lauren used her own experience to create change and meaning for others. Learn more.
PSAs
Thanks to our partners, including CBS national television network and the New York Yankees, for their support as we work to prevent abuse through education and awareness.
Campaigns
Lauren’s Kids works each and every day to shine light in dark places, and combat abuse through awareness and education.
Don’t Miss the Signs Campaign
Each year in Florida, hundreds of thousands of children are physically, mentally, verbally or sexually abused, usually by someone they know and trust. “Don’t Miss the Signs” – that’s the message Floridians now see on television ads, posters and other materials, urging them to raise their voices to stop child abuse.
The comprehensive public awareness campaign, launched in 2013 by the Lauren’s Kids foundation and the Florida Department of Children and Families, educates Floridians about their obligation to report suspected abuse under Florida’s sweeping child abuse reporting law, which took effect Oct. 1, 2012.
The award-winning campaign has been replicated throughout the country, thanks in part to dollars from the Penn State Restitution Fund.
Click here to learn more about the Don’t Miss the Signs campaign and to download free materials.
Topic-based Videos: One of the biggest barriers to preventing child sexual abuse is lack of education and awareness. During the 2013 Walk in My Shoes campaign, Lauren combatted this by highlighting a different key aspect of the issue of child sexual abuse each week. The educational web videos below feature experts, survivors and a convicted child molester in an effort to shine light on this dark issue.
Click here to watch the topic-based videos.
Intimate Crimes: The Inside Story of Child Sexual Abuse
A 30-minute television special that aims to educate parents about child sexual abuse and how to protect their children. The program aired in television markets throughout Florida during National Child Abuse Prevention Month and National Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
The program, which features Florida experts, adult survivors of child sexual abuse, advocates and a convicted pedophile, is part of a statewide education campaign, ‘Don’t Miss the Signs’ – a joint effort of the Florida Department of Children and Families and the Lauren’s Kids foundation to raise awareness about child abuse reporting and prevention.
Click here to watch the Intimate Crimes program.
Out of Darkness, Into Light
A half hour documentary which delves into the lives of three adult survivors (including Lauren Book) of child sexual abuse, who through their own personal experiences, are committed to helping others affected by this unthinkable crime. Statistics show that ninety percent of child victims know their offender, with almost half of the offenders being a family member.
With this knowledge, it is believed through education and awareness child sexual abuse can be prevented.
Click here to watch Out of Darkness, Into Light.
Clips
When Victims Fight Back: Lauren Book on Katie Couric
Watch on YouTube »
Our America with Lisa Ling: State of Sex Offenders: Lauren’s Kids
Watch on Oprah.com »
USA TODAY: Heat helping fight sexual abuse during NBA Finals
Read more on USA Today »
Al Jazeera America: Florida becomes the harshest state for sex offenders
Read more on Aljazeera America »
Newsweek: The Hunt for Child Sex Abusers Is Happening in the Wrong Places (Cover Story)
Read more on Newsweek »
Huffington Post: This Child Abuse Survivor Is Teaching Kids About The Importance Of Speaking Up
Read more on Huffington Post»
