Survivor’s Journey: a powerful, sobering tale

May 7, 2008

Joanna Connors of The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer wrote a gripping and unflinching first-person account Sunday of being raped nearly 24 years ago and her search for peace and answers in the years following. “Beyond Rape: A Survivor’s Journey” ran in five parts, in a 16-page special section without advertisements Sunday.

The second part of the story deals with the prosecution of her attacker, David Francis, who was convicted and sentenced to between 30 and 75 years in prison (he died in 1990).

The most powerful part of the trial is Judge Harry A. Hanna’s speech before sentencing, followed by Connors’ reaction:

“‘Those of us who believe in God and try to live by God’s law are also taught to try to see the Lord in all of his creatures,’ Hanna said. ‘In this position, that is getting increasingly harder. Today with you, Mr. Francis, it is nearly impossible. It is an evil and vile thing you did. Fortunately for her, and unfortunately for you, you picked on a woman who had the courage to fight back and stand up to you and prosecute you, so that at least she has spared the July 10 victim that you were looking for, and all of the other victims that you may have looked for, because there will be none. She prosecuted you, the jury convicted you, and for my part, sir, I shall bury you in the bowels of our worst prison for as long as I can.’”

Connor writes:

“Judge Hanna’s words made me feel good about myself for the first time since the rape.”

Connors’ story is a lengthy, difficult read, but well worth it.

DANNY JACOBS, Legal Affairs Writer

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