Anyone just watch HBO's "Rape in a Small Town?"

[Maddy McCall]

My god what a heartbreaker.

Here's the story:

ALTON — Viciously raped and beaten in her own bed over 13 years ago, Florence Holway, then a 76-year-old great-grandmother, became something she never thought she would be — a very vocal, extremely powerful voice for victims’ rights and the driving force behind the reform of New Hampshire’s rape laws.

As her story hits television this Tuesday, in the form of an HBO documentary, legal experts and victims’ advocates recall how her courage to come forward and tell her story drew attention to lax sentencing and the inconsistent treatment of victims of rape and sexual assault.

"What she has done and what she is doing is vital to our search to end domestic violence," said Delilah Smith, director of Women’s Services and Gender Resources at Plymouth State University. "It puts a name and a face to victims of rape and assault. The more individuals who come forward, the more people will see that it can happen to anyone."

Sandra Matheson, director of the State Office of Victim/Witness Assistance said Holway’s case became the catalyst for change in New Hampshire.

"Her ability and courage to come forward and speak about her attack; and, to have a sexual assault victim that didn’t fit the mold, drew people’s outrage," Matheson said.

More at: http://www.fosters.com/January2005/01.09.05/news/su_01.09.05e.asp

Here's a photo of the victim:


She's a firecracker. I hope I have half her spirit when I am her age.

[cry baby]

1. watching right now. It's so sad,but I'm so proud of that lady!

[cry baby]

2. And Maddy, can you believe how wonderful her son and daughter

in law are to her. OMG, what good people!

[Maddy McCall]

3. Yes.

Did you catch that she was divorced and raised her sons alone?

Somehow, calling her a "victim" just doesn't fit. That woman is a survivor.

(I know this sounds silly, but I just might wire her a bouquet tomorrow.) :-)

[cry baby]

4. Not silly at all - she is a hero! n/t

[henslee]

5. Read a revew in todays NYT. Sounded interesting. Said that a lot of

questions remained unanswered... like why the heck the guy did and what he was all about.

[Maddy McCall]

6. Wonder if it's online. I'll go look.

Did you read it in the online version? Thanks.