The letter of the law can at times be misguided, John. That is definitely the case when it comes to sex trafficking survivor Pieper Lewis.

Pieper Lewis was just 15 years old when she was trafficked and ended up killing one of her abusers. And now, because of an Iowa law, the court is ordering Pieper to pay $150,000 to her rapist’s family. 

This is outrageous, John.

It is appalling to force sexual abuse survivors who are placed in dangerous situations to pay restitution to their abusers. In the next legislative session, I want to make Iowa a place where rape survivors don’t owe a damn thing to their rapist or their family’s estate.

Pieper Lewis’ teacher started a GoFundMe and the community has rallied together and raised the money. While I’m grateful that people are trying to help, people shouldn’t have to rely on GoFundMe accounts! Not for health care disasters – and not for paying restitution to a rapist’s family. 

The law needs to change, John. If elected to the Iowa State House, I’m going to fight to ensure Iowa’s justice system treats rape survivors the way they deserve to be treated. 

Standing Tall for All,

J.D. Scholten 

If you'd like to send a check to Scholten for Iowa, please mail it to: Scholten for Iowa, P.O. Box 5351, Sioux City, IA 51102.