UPDATE: Pretoria rape survivor completes 729km journey
Leilani Kuter (45), who calls herself Danville-diva, grew up in the west of Pretoria and shares her incredible story on rape, survival and acceptance.
Owner of Date Night SA, Leilani Kuter (45) from Roodepoort was brutally raped and left for dead when she was only 18 years old and living at the NG-church Youth Centre in Vermeulen Street, west of Pretoria.
She unknowingly let a man, in his late 20’s, by the name of “Frankie” into her room and what followed changed Leilani’s life forever.
Twenty-seven years later, Leilani decided to break her silence and speak out about her ordeal to start a dialogue to empower other women, men and children and free them from the stigma that rape carries.
ALSO READ: VIDEO: Pta rape survivor to walk 729km to raise awareness
Starting on the 16th of September, wearing yellow, the colour her attacker wore, Leilani started a 27-day journey, walking 27km a day to make a stand against sexual assault and gender-based violence in South Africa.
Taking her last step at the Ruimsig parkun in Roodepoort on the 12th of October to complete a total distance of 729km, Leilani said the experience taught her a lot about herself and the kindness of others.
“Taking on this challenge was the hardest thing I’ve ever done but it was the best decision I could have made. My ankles are very sore, but I feel fantastic finally reaching the finish line,” she said.
ALSO READ: BREAKING NEWS: Dros rape accused pleads guilty
“I learned so much about myself on this journey, I am tougher than I think and that I need to nurture my fighting spirit.”
The challenge, over 4 provinces and 3645 hours, was supported by more than 300 individuals (some rape survivors), of all ages.
With her campaign launched on crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy, on the 14th of August, Leilani raised R 237 110.00 from 109 donors.
ALSO READ: Rape suspects sought by Pta police
Funds raised will be used to purchase emergency comfort packs to be given to young girls who report sexual assault and go through the process of telling their stories and help as many women as possible who are in need of rehabilitation and counselling.
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