For 24 Hour Assistance Call Our Crisis Hotline 1-877-LKIDS-01
Walk In My Shoes


Because It's Ok To Tell!
© 2009 Lauren's Kids, Inc. 
Lauren Book-Lim, founder of Lauren’s Kids, was a victim of childhood sexual abuse for six years at the hands of her nanny. Armed with the knowledge that 95 percent of sexual abuse is
preventable through education, Lauren sought to turn her horrific personal experience into a vehicle to prevent childhood sexual abuse and heal survivors by walking the state of Florida.

Lauren’s ‘Walk in My Shoes’ campaign brought awareness to the issue of sexual abuse and her consistent message of “It’s Okay to Tell,” encouraged victims to speak out about their experiences. Beginning April 2 in Aventura, Florida at the house where her abuse began, Lauren underwent a 500-mile journey to end at the Capitol steps in Tallahassee. Her walk during Sexual Assault Awareness Month symbolized a survivor’s long, painful healing journey to shed the shame, while encouraging lawmakers to pass four legislative bills which had been proposed to support sexual abuse victims and prevent future abuse.

  • Legislation Passed. All four legislative bills were passed: eliminating the statue of limitations for sexual battery if the victim is under 16 years of age, creating child safety zones, enhancing the Rape Crisis Program Trust Fund and creating a voluntary contribution option on driver’s license registrations to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse.

  • Endorsements Secured. Lauren’s walk secured more than 50 high-profile endorsements from such key influencers as Governor Charlie Crist, Attorney General Bill McCollum, Senate President Jeff Atwater, various Senate and House legislators, sports celebrities including 2010 NBA All Star MVP Dwyane Wade, 30 companies and associations, as well as 49 local law enforcement agencies.

  • Contributions Raised. Within one month, more than $190,000 in contributions for Lauren’s Kids was raised.

  • Assault Center Visits. Lauren personally visited 16 assault centers on her journey, speaking to countless people affected by sexual abuse.

  • News Coverage. ‘Walk in My Shoes 2010’ generated more than 75 stories covered statewide, nationally and internationally.