Many moons ago, I questioned the legitimacy of the Steven Unthank case and/or his manner of relating the news on his website. Official court documents were difficult to locate (at least for some of us, and after a certain date) and my only direct source for information was Unthank's own website, though later I heard from a poster who attended one of the hearings. I had my hopes up for a major case against the WT, but the little info I could verify left me confused.
In the case of Jane Doe vs The Watchtower Bible & Tract Society of New York (Superior Court of CA, County of Alameda, case HG11558324), we have court documents that are immediately accessible on the Alameda Courts government website, spanning more than a year, of a young woman who has been determined to see this case through to a jury verdict. For that, I'd like to offer my words of support and dedicate this thread to her:
Jane/Candace, you're an inspiration to anyone who has felt powerless and valueless at the hands of a mega-corporation... one that's more concerned about maintaining it's shiny, polished, Cleaver-family image than caring for its people - specifically, those who need protection the most. Sounds like a cliche, but I sincerely wish I had your courage, strength, and determination. You stepped up and volunteered to re-live the emotional torment when I'm sure it would've been far easier to stay quiet and do nothing.
Regardless of what happens from here out, you've made a lot of underdogs sit up and take notice and I suspect your actions played a large role in the Watchtower Society's recent letter to all elders on Confidentiality. They realize they're in trouble for their neglect. Think about that - you've got a mega-corporation running scared. And hopefully your example will encourage other victims to speak up, too.
So, thank you, Jane Doe/Candace, for your incredible example and actions that will surely help protect future generations of children.
I wish you the peace, happiness, and success that you deserve.
-SBC