The Last 24 Hours

I find it necessary to write a blog pertaining to the last 24-hour period of my life.

As a volunteer advocate at the Albany County SAFE Project, I provide victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking crisis intervention and victim advocacy. I also coordinate Albany County Sexual Response Team and help with outreach, education and awareness events in the community. Staff and volunteers of the SAFE Project have been attending the trial of Donald Ray Daves, whom was charged with five counts of use of a firearm while committing a felony, four counts of first-degree sexual assault and one count each of possession of a deadly weapon with unlawful intent, kidnapping and aggravated assault and battery. Daves plead not guilty to all of the charges, and yesterday in the Albany County District Court was found guilty for each of the twelve felony charges. He faces a minimum of 20 years (if sentences are served concurrently) and a maximum of a life sentence plus 265 years.

This is a landmark case for Albany County, being that it is the first conviction of a first-degree sexual assault. I would like to commend the persons of the prosecution and members of the jury for the outstanding work that they did on the case. It is living proof that our community is a community of change, that attitudes are progressing, and that we are taking an active stand to hold perpetrators accountable for violence against women. Convictions like this one provide overwhelming amounts of faith and hope for advocates (such as myself) to continue to do the work that we do. It is easy for us to feel as if we are fighting a loosing battle when we face cases each month in which condolences are given to the perpetrator and the voice of the victim is lost. The impact that these convictions have on the survivor is immeasurable, and it is persons like you that give this woman a chance at healing and to begin living her life once again. The overall effect to the community is powerful as well, sending a message of intolerance for this type of behavior. Thank you for being bold and doing what is just.

Additionally, the Matthew Shepard-James Byrd Hate Crimes Prevention Act (18 USC 249) passed through the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, and awaits the signature of President Obama. Over a decade of vigilance, passion, and determination by Judy Shepard and many others has made a long-lasting impact on a national level. After attending ‘The Laramie Project’, a ten year anniversary, we were left with the question of how we measure change. The passage of this act is quantifiable and a great accomplishment. Senator Mike Enzi, Senator John Barrasso, and Representative Cynthia Lummis all voted against the Hate Crimes Prevention Act, publicly shaming Wyoming, and failing to represent its constituents. Let us show the world that we have changed, will continue to change, and not support impunity for crimes of hate.

Thank you to those who continue to make the world a better place—you sincerely enrich my life.