Standing With the Victim

The following was sent to me by a friend. I thought it worth doing and am forwarding it to anyone who might find in this a call to action for themselves. Those flowers particularly seem appropriate. It would be wonderful, I feel, if this small project went viral…

Dear sisters and brothers:

The New York hotel maid who was raped needs lots of support. Her lawyer has said that she feels all alone in the world, and very frightened. She faces an ordeal that would test any woman. It will be so much harder for a poor, uneducated, African immigrant, living alone with only her young daughter.

In court, under cross-examination, clever, experienced lawyers will attempt to pick her apart, and make her seem the guilty one. This young woman will need incredible strength and courage, and should know that many people care for her and are thinking of her.
 
The office of her lawyer, Jeffrey J. Shapiro, 675 3rd Ave., Suite 3005, New York, NY 10017, told me that he will pass on to her any cards expressing support. (Perhaps, we could also send flowers.)  If you like this idea, please send her a card, and pass this message on to your friends.

Marcia

P.S.  This is what we do in Amnesty International. We have heard former prisoners of conscience tell us that it was receiving an outpouring of cards and letters of support that gave them the courage to keep going.