Florida: A fund has been set up to help a woman who survived a horrific attack at a West Palm Beach housing project
WPBF:
A mob of 10 masked people gang raped a woman and forced her 12-year-old son to join in, police said.
The woman was a parishioner at Saint Ann's Church in West Palm Beach. The church has set up a fund through Wachovia Bank to help her with moving and living expenses.
"It's very devastating. A lot of people cried. You never know what to expect," parishioner Philomene Etienne told WPBF News 25.
Two teenagers are being held without bail in the attack. Authorities said 14-year-old Avion Lawson and 16-year-old Nathan Walker will be charged as adults with armed sexual battery by multiple perpetrators, sexual performance by a child, armed home invasion and aggravated battery.
Court officials said the teens could face sentences of life in prison.
Authorities said after the sexual attack, they beat the boy and poured cleaning solution into his eyes. They said the armed men then stole a few hundred dollars worth of cash and jewelry.
The victims are out of the hospital and receiving counseling.
"She is very strong and she still has faith in God. I hope she will soon be back in church," said Serge Pierre, a member of the victim's church.
Police said more arrests are expected.
Individuals who would like to donate money to the victims can go to any Wachovia Bank and donate to the St. Ann’s Victim’s Assistance Fund. Donations will go directly to the mother and her son.
New security measures have been implemented in Dunbar Village and more are on the way in hopes to prevent future violent crime.
A new gate has been installed at the front of the complex, and residents have been assigned parking passes and electronic openers.
Security cameras that will stream video to the West Palm Beach police department are also in the works, WPBF reported.
Last year, police were called more than 700 times to the small development; an average of about twice a day.
Rape victim in hiding
Security measures added but residents still fearful
Gang rape of mother, son throws a spotlight on West Palm housing project
posted by Adam Lawson @ 10:07 AM
1 comments
1 Comments:
WE CAN HELP THE VICTIMS:
The mother is educated and they are practicing Catholics, described as good, decent people. They are legal Haitian immigrants who were temporarily living in the project. They kept to themselves and chose not to associate with the "hip-hop" element. This may have been why they were targeted for attack by the perpetrators, all described as black male teenagers.
A fund has been established at St. Ann's parish, the victims' church, to help them to move and get counseling.
You can write a check and mail it to:
Dunbar Victims Assistance Fund,
c/o St. Ann's Catholic Church
310 North Olive Ave.
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
This sexual assault upon the mother-child relationship is unimaginable, ye this mother's faith is strong; there is hope for healing here.
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