Message From The Founder
People often ask me how I do what I do everyday. It certainly isn’t something I chose, yet I believe it was something I was destined to do and I wouldn't change a thing. For me, the best path forward from a home invasion and rape followed by revictimization was to fight for justice. I believe we learn most from our greatest challenges. These challenges kept me going and gave me a greater purpose. It stirred in me a passion to fight for real and meaningful change. That’s how Jane Doe No More was born.
Today, I am blessed to work with an amazing team that shares my passion. Jane Doe No More is empowering survivors to find their voice, advance their healing, and educate others. As we grow in strength and numbers, our collective voice gets louder. What started as a whisper, when I was barely able to speak, has grown to a roar. There is no stopping us now.
Donna comes forward for the first time to launch
Jane Doe No More. April 2007
Statute of Limitations
When Donna's perpetrator was found through irrefutable DNA evidence in 2004, he could not be arrested for the crime he committed. By that time 11 years had passed and the statute of limitations was only 5 years for rape, even with DNA evidence. Donna was devastated. The only charge he could be arrested for was kidnapping which was problematic resulting in the perpetrator receiving far less time than he should have received, and he went on to attack again.
In 2007, Donna Palomba’s case was the impetus for the removal of Connecticut’s statute of limitations on sexual crimes with DNA evidence.
“Donna has not only fought back from a vicious assault, she has made this change in the law a part of her personal mission to improve the treatment of victims and the pursuit of justice,” Governor M. Jodi Rell said. “Her story – ‘Jane Doe No More’ – is told on her web site, www.janedoenomore.org. The site also has important resources and links for assault victims. Her advocacy for this change makes her a true Connecticut hero and I salute her.”
Donna speaking alongside Governor M. Jodi Rell and Chief Neil O’Leary in 2007 at a ceremonial signing.
