Lauren Book wants you to know there's life after sexual abuse.
Book, the CEO and founder of sexual assault prevention organization Lauren's Kids, spoke to about 20 people on the Plaza of the Americas on Wednesday.
She talked about preventing and dealing with sexual abuse, then led attendees on a walk to Lake Alice.
Book came to Gainesville for Walk in My Shoes, an annual statewide 39-day event that raises awareness for childhood sexual abuse. Gainesville was one of 39 stops on the walk from Key West to Tallahassee.
Although Book's organization focuses on childhood sexual abuse, she said she wanted to let college students know they aren't alone.
"It is important that you guys know what to do and where to go, and that you know it's okay to tell," Book said. "This is supposed to be an exciting time for you."
Book was sexually assaulted by her family nanny for six years during her childhood.
Afterward, she said, she struggled with anorexia. She hit a low weight of 70 pounds and faced organ failure before she began working through it.
"We are at a time where we are beginning to look at the issues of sexual assault," Book said. "This is what's behind closed doors of people's homes."
Samantha White, a 20-year-old criminology junior, came to watch Book speak.
"I think Lauren is incredibly inspirational," White said. "She's a woman who has been through so much and is using her negative experience to help others. It's truly amazing."
Lauren Book, founder of Lauren's Kids, and her supporters wave at passing motorists at they walk down Museum Drive near Lake Alice on Tuesday as part of the "Walk in My Shoes" campaign, which is a 1,500 mile walk across Florida to bring awareness to help prevent sexual abuse.
