JULIE WEIL NOT JUST ME
All crimes are despicable. However, rape and assault are grievous crimes, which can ruin the lives of the innocent victims. Rape and assault are not easy topics to discuss because it sends chills down the spine of all rational, law abiding citizens. It is an unthinkable crime on any level under any circumstances. In some cases the victims know their attacker and at other times the assailant appears out of nowhere. When you add in the fear of death because your attacker is an unknown assailant, the act of rape becomes one of the worst crimes you can inflict on a human being. The victims who survive these attacks are left to deal with the shame, humiliation, posttraumatic stress syndrome, and the degradation that accompanies these vicious assaults. Sadly, many rape survivors have had little, if any support from their communities and from law enforcement agencies? One amazing woman has worked tirelessly for years to bring about a new awareness and has been instrumental in changing legislation, as well as the lives of other women.
Never Say Impossible Radio is honored to have Julie Wiel as our guest to share her story of triumph.
Julie was raised in Miami, Florida and attended the University of Virginia where she received a degree in Government and Foreign Affairs. Upon graduation in 1993, she moved to Washington D.C to work as a legal researcher for the Department of Justice. Julie returned to Florida to attend graduate school at he University of Miami. In October 2002, Julie survived every mother’s worst nightmare and was thrust into a four year journey through Florida’s criminal justice system. She has now dedicated her life to advocacy work and travels to speak about her experience as a rape survivor. Julie has volunteered to work with law enforcement, healthcare providers and state attorneys to show them how proper communication and coordination with victims can produce strong survivors. Julie Weil is an active member of the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) Speaker’s Bureau in Washington, DC and an advisory member at the Florida Council Against Sexual Violence (FCASV). She is also the founder of “Not-Just-Me.com”, a website and safety program she presents to women’s groups everywhere in hopes that it will help increase vigilance and save lives. Most recently, Julie was instrumental in helping Palm Beach County set up its new comprehensive rape exam center, the Butterfly House. In February 2013, Julie was involved with passing legislation that was added to the Violence Against Women Act 2013 Reauthorization. She is a happily married and the mother of a son and a daughter.
Click here to listen:Non-Flash MP3 Direct Link
