By C1 Staff
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – The woman who was jailed by a Seminole County judge for three days after failing to show up to her abuser’s trial is speaking out through NBC News.
“I knew I did wrong when I missed the trial,” the woman told the news station, who agreed to shield her identity. “But I wasn’t expecting her reaction.”
In video that’s quickly gone viral, Seminole County Judge Jerri Collins is seen criticizing the victim and ultimately finding her in contempt of court. The video has sparked outrage among advocates for victims of domestic abuse.
“Unfortunately, many victims will remain silent because they will see this and think they can’t get the system involved,” Jeanne Gold, of the Safe House of Seminole County, said.
The victim agreed with this sentiment, saying that she would think twice about calling the police again. She did say that she understood that the judge was just doing her job, but added that she is not yet over what happened in court.
“I’m just taking it one day at a time. There’s good days and bad days,” she said.