I once knew a woman who never found justice, but had to find a way to forget and go on. I didn’t know her favorite color or her favorite song. I only knew that she liked to take naps, and before she took her naps, she drank—a lot. She didn’t drink juice or water; I know this because she never shared with me. I was only ten years old, and this emotionally detached individual was my mother. She suffered from years of alcoholism, depression, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder that resulted in part from countless years of sexual abuse as a child. My mother found refuge through numbness provided by alcohol and drugs; ironically, that was when she most readily pieced together her fragmented past. Those instances gave me insight into my mother’s physical, emotional, and psychological imbalances. I vicariously experienced her fears. My mother confided in me when she thought she could no longer go on, and her stories would never be told.

I spent years trying to piece my mother back together, but her psychological distress was too deep-seated, and I couldn’t take away her pain. All she wanted was for her abuser to be punished for his crimes. Unfortunately, my mother’s case was deemed to lack sufficient evidence. Ultimately, not only had I failed her but the system had also failed her. The law should provide justice for all victims, but the reality is that for many, especially the young, poor and otherwise disenfranchised victims, particularly sexual assault victims, justice is never served. Countless victims whose cases were deemed too insignificant, whose pockets were not deep enough, or whose demographics made them simply not worthy enough to defend, all share my mother’s reality.

The reality of my life has shaped and motivated me to choose a legal career as a way to find justice, not only for my mother, but for so many Americans who find themselves at the mercy of others cruelty. Realistically, I know that I cannot erase the painful memories regularly experienced by victims of sexual abuse; I know that the American legal system, while not perfect, tries to protect and defend all people. In order to decrease sexual assault, the legal system incorporates laws to convict perpetrators. However, a handful of sexual assault cases lack the necessary requirements needed to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, which then pave the way for sexual predators to escape punishment.

Collectively, with the incorporation of applicable laws, highly motivated prosecutors would be better equipped to reverse the harm done, which is why I want to dedicate my life to protecting others from deviant predators, to provide justice for crimes committed against the least of my brothers and sisters. My mother is just one of many individuals who are haunted by the past; still, by acquiring the justice they rightfully deserve, perhaps they will be one step closer to resolution. I am aware that there are many challenges inherent in overcoming the increasing epidemic of sex crimes throughout the world; nevertheless, attending law school will provide me with the skills and knowledge needed, in order to use my courage and conviction to fully prosecute individuals who are responsible for these unforgivable acts.

Through my mother’s eyes, I have seen the detrimental effects that are tied to shortcomings within the American legal system. Through my internship at Reye’s Law Firm, I have gained new insight into how to fight for victims whose cases were deemed too insignificant because they lacked the resources needed to prosecute their abuser. My volunteer experience at Child Abuse Council of Quad the Cities allowed me to see the impact sexual abuse has on all levels of society. The opportunity to attend law school would provide me the education, practice, and experience needed to expand my horizons and substantially impact the lives of those affected by sex crimes and human trafficking.

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Currently, I am a senior at Western Illinois University. I will be graduating in May of 2018 with my Bachelors of Liberal Arts & Sciences with paired minors in English, Psychology, and Legal Studies. After graduation, I will be attending law school in Dayton, Ohio.

J. D. Candidate of 2021 at the University of Dayton School of Law. My inability to remain silent about the injustices that transpire towards victims of sex crimes is what drew me to pursue a career in Criminal Law. My passion for law in collaboration with my yearning to give victims of sex crimes a voice is my driving force to make a change.

Contact Information:

Cierra Davis

300 College Park
Dayton, OH 45469-2760
309.235.4612 (direct line)
cierradavis12@gmail.com

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