To my kids:
I write this letter after learning of a disturbing court
case involving young boys assaulting a young girl. The ages of these involved
were 15-17 year olds. The young lady in question was taken to several parties
and was drinking alcohol. This of course impaired her judgment and she became
unconscious. Along her journey several boys sexually assaulted her, took
pictures, posted messages on social media, and took videos. The young lady woke
up the following morning and was informed of her situation via messages from
friends and foes. Eventually charges were brought against two of the boys and
they were found guilty. Although the other boys gained immunity in the case,
their lives are not without trouble.
Some of them have been kicked out of
college and scholarship removed. All those involved will suffer for the rest of
their lives. This case was in Ohio in the year 2012-2013.
I am writing this letter to my children for many different
reasons.
It is not ok to ever touch someone sexually when they are
unconscious. They can not give consent.
First: If you ever happen to be in a situation where you are
pressured by other around you to do anything….DO NOT DO IT. Please call us, family, other friends, police,
or anyone who can get you out of your situation. Or just walk away.
Second: If you ever find yourself in a situation where you
are being a victim, please say something. Try to get out of the situation. Call
someone.
Thirdly: if you are a witness to anything happening that you
think is not acceptable. Tell someone. Do not participate, do not videotape, do
not write anything about it, and most importantly help. Anyone of these acts is
a punishable crime. If you see something—say something.
I write this to you because it reminds me of a potentially
devastating event that happened to me when I was 14. I was a freshmen in
highschool and I really liked this boy who was one year older than I was. I
called him one evening and found he was with a group of boys partying. I let him
know I was home by myself and his friend gave him my address. About 30 minutes
later I had about 6 boys at my door. We
had a screen door and the main door. They pushed their way into the house. We
lived in a split level which means when you enter you either go upstairs or
down. They split up and half went up and half of them went down. I went up to
follow the guy that I liked. I was cornered in my room by this guy and his
friend. They wanted to have sex with me and were pressuring me. They were drunk
and kept pulling my arm and trying to coax me. I said no many times and then I
screamed NO and ran from the room. More events happened that evening, but I was
very lucky. My sister arrived home just in time because I do not know what
would have happened if she didn’t.
I blame myself for putting myself in this situation and of
course the boys also should take some of the blame as well.
I write this to my kids as a warning of what could
potentially happen when you are with a crowd of friends and their influence on
you. I caution my kids to use their judgment wisely.
I love you very much and want the best for you.
Your mom
