Lavinia Masters
Lavinia Masters | |
|---|---|
| Born | |
| Occupation | Life coach |
| Known for | Sexual assault survivor advocacy |
Lavinia Masters is an American advocate for survivors of sexual assault and rape. She is the namesake of the Lavinia Masters Act, passed in Texas in 2019. She was named to the Texas Women's Hall of Fame in 2023.
Early life
[edit]Masters was raised in West Dallas, Texas.[1] She describes her childhood as being raised in a "religious household".[1]
In 1985, Masters was raped at the age of 13.[2] The assailant broke into her family's home and assaulted her at gunpoint.[3] Masters described the investigation done by the local police as dehumanizing,[4] saying that it "devastated me more than the rape".[5]
Aftermath and advocacy
[edit]Masters' rape kit went untested for over 20 years, until 2005.[2] In 2004, Congress passed the Debbie Smith Act, which provided funding for police to workoff backlogs of unexamined rape kits like Masters.[3] Her case was reopened, and DNA testing matched a serial rapist, but at that time the statute of limitations had already expired.[5] Masters reported feeling "devastated", and turned towards becoming an advocate for survivors of sexual assault.[6]
After contacting her local city council, Masters started working with Texas House representative Victoria Neave.[7] In 2018, Neave assembled a Dallas task force to "identify issues with the way the legal system handles sexual assault and harassment".[6] In 2019, the Lavinia Masters Act was signed into law with bipartisan support.[4] The law requires that all rape kits in Texas must be tested within 90 days.[8][9]
In addition to advocacy, Masters works as a life coach.[7] Since 2019, Masters has been a member of the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Task Force in Texas.[5] She also works to educate people in rural Texas about their rights under the new law.[3]
Awards and honors
[edit]- In 2019, Masters received The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Award[10]
- In 2023, Masters was inducted into Texas Women's Hall of Fame in recognition of her "selflessness and strength".[11]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Anderson, Liza (June 20, 2019). "She was raped at 13. Her case sat untouched for 21 years. Now she's changed the law". The Dallas Morning News. Retrieved May 4, 2025.
- ^ a b Chen, Stephanie (October 15, 2009). "Raped at 13, victim fights to eliminate rape kit backlog". CNN. Archived from the original on October 18, 2009. Retrieved May 4, 2025.
- ^ a b c Wise, Kathy (October 6, 2020). "Local Victim Advocate Recognized for Reducing Rape Kit Backlog". D Magazine. Retrieved May 4, 2025.
- ^ a b Chartier, Tiffany (April 16, 2024). "Dr. Lavinia Masters x DX Podcast: Rebuilding Life After Violence". Dallas Express. Retrieved May 5, 2025.
- ^ a b c Marloff, Sarah (March 31, 2021). "A New Group of Sexual Assault Survivors in Texas is Seeking Systemic Reform". The Texas Observer. Retrieved May 5, 2025.
- ^ a b Bolaños, Christine (June 10, 2019). "The Lavinia Masters Act Gives Sexual Assault Survivors New Lease on Life". Latino USA. Retrieved May 4, 2025.
- ^ a b Griffin, Lily (April 22, 2024). "Lavinia Masters: Changing the lives of sexual assault victims". Lone Star Parity Project. Retrieved May 8, 2025.
- ^ Eiserer, Tanya (January 13, 2025). "North Texas survivor, advocate fights for justice as attacker faces parole hearing". WFAA. Retrieved May 8, 2025.
- ^ Branch, Alex (September 25, 2020). "Renowned Forensic Anthropologist Talks Casework: 'Every Person We ID is a Big Case to Us'". Forensic Magazine. Retrieved May 8, 2025.
- ^ "Volunteer Empowers Sexual Trauma Victims and Fights for Healing for Survivors". Points of Light. November 7, 2019. Retrieved May 9, 2025.
- ^ "Lavinia Masters". Texas Woman's University. 2023. Retrieved May 9, 2025.