Autistic woman sues Broward Mall after alleged 2022 sexual assault in mall restroom – WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports

PLANTATION, FLA. (WSVN) – A trip to the Broward Mall in Plantation changed one woman's life. She is now speaking out about the time she was followed and attacked, as she prepares to take legal action against the mall.

The woman, who has not been identified, shared her ordeal at a press conference on Thursday.

“I am a young adult with autism spectrum disorder who was sexually assaulted in the family restroom at the Broward Mall,” she said.

The woman said she is coming forward now in hopes of protecting others.

“I was sexually assaulted on May 14, 2022 and my life was never the same,” she said.

The woman, aged in her 30s, said she was at the Broward Mall that day to volunteer to help people with autism.

The victim was at the food court when, according to Plantation police, Terrance Style, 41, forced her into the restroom and sexually assaulted her.

Kimberly Wald, the woman's attorney, described what investigators say happened next,

“He took our client down a secluded hallway to the family restroom, where he locked himself in the stall with our client and assaulted and sexually assaulted her,” Wald said.

The woman immediately told someone what she had said.

Style was arrested in the mall parking lot. Police said he was carrying a bag full of guns and ammunition.

“He came with an axe, a knife, scissors, box cutters and several guns,” Wald said.

Style faces five sexual assault charges. He is free on bail while his criminal case continues.

Wald said the mall did not provide enough security and filed a lawsuit.

“My goal is to make shopping malls safer for adults and children with autism spectrum disorders,” the victim said.

7News contacted Broward Mall. In a statement, a spokesperson wrote:

“We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our shoppers, employees and retailers. We invest significantly in security, both personally and technologically, and cooperate with local law enforcement teams when necessary.

Matt Ehrie, Broward Mall Management

The woman's lawyers said their client will never fully recover from what she says happened that day.

“I want to raise awareness about sexual assault against adults and children with developmental disabilities,” the victim said.

Through her lawyers, the woman said she wasn't necessarily motivated by money when she decided to take legal action, but by a desire to see change and increased safety in places like shopping malls.

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