This article was written after receiving a statement from Christina Meredith regarding the new House Bill 1297.

Christina is a former candidate for the Florida House, foster care activist, mental health advocate, national speaker, and the founder of the nonprofit Christina Meredith Foundation. A former homeless foster youth who was later named Ms. California; Christina today dedicates herself to protecting children from abuse and advocating for foster care reform. Christina concurrently serves in the US Army. To learn more about Christina Meredith go to her website: ChristinaMeredith.org

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Advocate and survivor of childhood rape, Christina Meredith, has fought for justice for victims of child abuse her entire adult life. Christina has dedicated her life to raising awareness and advocating for child welfare policies that bring healing and justice to foster care children. Christina’s story of childhood abuse has inspired her to fight for other victims of child abuse and rape.

At the age of 16, Christina was placed into foster care, and the state’s attorney in Saint Augustine called her to their office to verify a “confession” letter they had received. After verifying that Christina was raped for years from the ages of 9-13, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) sent her to a gynecologist for examination. This was her very first time seeing an OBGYN, and it was a traumatic experience for her. A few years later, Christina received a letter from the Saint Augustine courthouse letting her know that her perpetrator would be released from county jail. After reading her police/court documents, she was extremely shocked to find that her perpetrator only received 364 days in county jail, despite her carrying the debilitating pain of her abuse with her every day.

Christina could not understand how her perpetrator was allowed to get a slap on the wrist for the impact his crimes had on her life. She decided then that she would fight for other child rape victims and change how our nation handles the heinous atrocity that is childhood rape. Christina created “Christina’s Law” years ago and has been sharing it with federal and state legislators, non-profit organizations, law enforcement agencies, and child welfare agencies.

Christina’s life’s work involves seeking the death penalty for raping a child under the age of 12, which she believes is a fair consequence to the most cruel and unusual punishment known to a child.

Christina decided to run for Florida State House and campaigned on this issue during the last election cycle. She promised to put Christina’s Law on the floor along with three other specific bills to ensure that foster youth have the tools they need to heal. Despite losing the election, Christina continues to work every day for children and their futures.

Christina’s opponent and others supporting her opponent’s campaign lied about Christina and humiliated her publicly about her child rape gynecological exam the day before the election.

Recently Christina’s opponent took a part of “Christina’s Law” to the house floor as her very first bill.

Christina was struck with awe and wondered whether her opponent was trying to wound her further by taking her life’s work from her or offering an olive branch as a sincere apology for her horrendous actions.

Regardless of Christina’s opponent’s motives, Christina wants to express her heartfelt gratitude to her for championing her story and bringing her healing. Christina’s opponent has kept Christina’s promise to bring Christina’s Law to the floor and has given Christina the victory over her rapist.

Christina’s story is one of resilience and perseverance. Despite the immense pain and trauma she has experienced, Christina continues to fight for justice for victims of childhood rape and abuse. Christina’s story has inspired thousands of others, and she encourages victims of this distinct type of pain to never give up hope. She wants them to know that one day the God of heaven and earth will vindicate them and soothe their hurt with His love.

King Jesus has plans for them, and they are worthy, valuable, and oh so loved.

In conclusion, when Governor DeSantis signs this Florida bill into law, it may not have Christina’s name at the top, but it does have her story, and it will bring her and thousands of others the justice they deserve. Christina’s story is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of moments, hope and healing are possible.