Rashida Dhooma

p. 12.

Jane Doe triumphs again

Rape victim among Women on the Move winners

Jane Doe fought the law and she won.

Yesterday, the demure, softly spoken woman who was instrumental in changing the way police handle sexual assault cases, was named the CFRB/Toronto Sun's 13^th annual Women on the Move awards.

She got a standing ovation from 450 guests at the Westin Harbour Castle Conference Centre.

"The award is exceptionally meaningful to me because it says it recognizes the importance of sexual assault in women's lives and how it impacts on our lives," said Jane Doe, who introduced herself by her real name.

Sued police

Last year, Doe successfully sued police for failing to warn her and other women in her neighbourhood of a serial rapist. Doe was raped in the summer of 1986 by the Balcony Rapist. She was awarded $200,000 in the case settlement.

The award recognized the need to continue the education that would hopefully change the attitudes of police, politicians and the legal profession toward women who are sexually assaulted, she said.

She accepted the award "on behalf of our mothers that worked so hard to give us this legacy of hope and joy, which we hope to pass on to our daughters."