Jennifer Elmore | 2021 National Crime Victims' Service Awards Tribute Video

JENNIFER ELMORE: My father was a career military officer. Retired as a two-star general. My memory at 3 years old is him taking sexual liberties with me. It was a pattern that really grew into regular visits to my room at night. I felt utter hopelessness. 

When I was in my early 40s, it felt a lot like going through a dark tunnel. 

What felt very important to me was creating a memorialization that, "This is what was true." So I called the JAG office at Fort Bragg. 

Within 2 weeks of trial, the statute of limitations that had permitted the prosecution of my case was overturned. His case in the military justice system was dismissed. That ruling ignited that old sense of powerlessness and futility. 

My two twin daughters that really fueled picking the pieces back up. 

I know, I'm just not feeling that. 

The civilian justice system was able to prosecute the acts that he perpetrated while we lived off-base. He decided to plead guilty. And then for the judge to acknowledge me in the courtroom was, for me, justice. "I reclaim my life from you. I reclaim the truth." To be a warrior on behalf of other victims feels highly purposeful to me. I've become a victims advocate and very active voice on Capitol Hill. 

Whether it's in sitting with a victim or helping them through the military justice system or legislative changes, I am passionate about really standing for victims in a way that makes us a relevant part of the process. 

I'd like to see the empowerment given back to victims to pursue justice in their own eyes and that they're worthy of it.