WEST PALM BEACH, FL – Nearly three years after a harrowing ordeal, a young therapist who was held hostage and tortured for 15 hours is seeking justice through a lawsuit. The woman, referred to as Jane Doe, is taking legal action against the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, her employer, and the attacker’s father, alleging that their negligence contributed to the attack.
According to investigators, Jane Doe was assigned to assist Svi Alwang, a 20-year-old client with a known history of sexual violence and severe mental illness. On July 1, 2022, she entered Alwang’s Boca Raton home, where she was brutally attacked, duct-taped, and held at knifepoint.
The lawsuit claims that the attack was meticulously planned, with the front windows covered in black plastic and her phone wrapped in foil to prevent tracking. Despite these signs, law enforcement did not act promptly when alerted to her disappearance.
Jane Doe’s partner reported her missing, and her car was found parked outside the perpetrator’s residence. Deputies responded but hesitated after hearing a scream, debating whether it was a call for help or something else. This delay resulted in the victim enduring an additional five hours of torment.
The lawsuit accuses the sheriff’s office, Rejuvenate Counseling, and the attacker’s father of failing to prevent the incident. Jane Doe argues that the darkened house and the suspect’s history should have prompted immediate action.
When deputies eventually entered the home, they found Jane Doe in a closet with a knife to her neck. Alwang was shot by a deputy but survived. He later pleaded guilty and is serving four life sentences.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office has declined to comment on the ongoing litigation. Rejuvenate Counseling has not yet responded to inquiries.
This lawsuit underscores the lasting trauma experienced by Jane Doe and highlights the need for systemic changes to prevent similar incidents in the future. As the legal proceedings unfold, this case will continue to draw attention to the responsibilities of those involved in safeguarding vulnerable individuals.