Patricia Wenskunas was victimized at an early age, and again as a young woman, but both times instinctively survived. Now she helps others learn how to overcome their plight as a victim of violent crime and learn how to survive and thrive!

Patricia grew up in a small Midwestern town. She became a victim of sexual abuse, an ongoing relationship at the hands of an uncle, which continued for two years. Later, as an adult, she was violently victimized by a male acquaintance. This time, she fought back and sought justice.

During the court proceedings, Patricia was subjected to yet more abuse from the very legal system that is supposed to protect the innocent. It was during this process that she discovered that a victim has no written rights under the state constitution, while a criminal's rights are heavily protected by this very same constitution.

Frustrated by the injustices, Patricia gathered resource materials and began distributing these to law enforcement agencies for disbursement to other victims of violent crime--enabling them to become survivors. She also worked on a Victim's Bill of Rights to end the unbalance of the justice system. As part of her ongoing efforts Patricia founded what has become a fast growing support system named Crime Survivors IncorporatedTM, with Patricia serving as the organizations CEO.

Patricia has dreamed of an ongoing Survival Resource Center for victims of crime which would be available to assist every need, and bring awareness, prevention and survival to the surrounding communities. Since her assault on April 4, 2002, Patricia has raised more than $200,000 to continue to empower victims to survive and thrive, and she is well on her way to the realization of that Survival Resource Center. She has partnered with other outreach organizations and made many friends of other founders, public safety leaders, political and civil servants, and community supporters. This is a true testimony of her ongoing fight against violent abuse. Patricia has paved the path for Victims of Violent Crime to truly survive and thrive.