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EVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP) — An Indiana woman who's the only known survivor of an attack by a man linked to 15 killings has written a book to help other victims of sexual violence.
Holly K. Dunn, of Evansville, survived a 1997 attack by Angel Resendiz in Lexington, Kentucky, the Evansville Courier & Press reported . Dunn's boyfriend was killed and she was raped, stabbed and left for dead.
Dunn released her book, "Sole Survivor," last month, in which she recounts the attack.
Resendiz was linked to at least 15 indiscriminate killings near railroad tracks, resulting in his nickname "Railroad Killer" and a spot on the FBI's Most Wanted list. His killing spree ended with a 1999 double-slaying in Illinois. He was executed in Texas in 2006.
Dunn said she wants other survivors of sexual violence to know they're not alone.
"I think anyone who survives sexual assault, you have a feeling of loneliness," she said.
After her assault, Dunn said she found a lot of strength, healing and help by talking to and reading books by other survivors.
"What it did for me was to validate what I was feeling. I wanted to know that everything I was feeling was normal," she said.
Dunn said she hopes her book will provide that to others. She said the book applies to anyone experiencing trauma who seeks inspiration and assurance.
Since the book's release, Dunn has spoken publicly at bookstores, universities and before the National Press Club. She became a motivational speaker and activist after graduating college and co-founding the nonprofit victim's advocacy center Holly's House.
"I never thought motivational speaking would be what I do," she said. "I kind of see it as that is why I survived, to help others."
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Information from: Evansville Courier & Press, http://www.courierpress.com
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