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The state is honoring people who protect the rights of victims of sexual and physical abuse.

This week is Victims Rights Week in Florida. Today at the state capital the governor and attorney general awarded law enforcement officers who’ve help protect the identities of domestic abuse victims. Stephanie Haridopolos, the wife of Florida’s Senate President, shared her story of domestic abuse at the hands of her ex-husband.

“I would file the restraining orders and have the arrests done and flee for my life, but eventually I would forgive him because I always had that hope that he would get better,” said Haridopolos.

In total seven people who work with victims of crime were given the Distinguished Victim Services Award at today’s ceremony.