We all have a role in preventing sexual assault. Even a bystander during an assault has the responsibility to try and stop it from happening. There are certainly instances in which you could be harmed for attempting to stop the crime from happening (one person in this story was said to be too afraid to say anything for fear of getting beaten up), but there is always an option to speak out, make a phone call, go to police, something.
In Richmond, California a fifteen year old girl was assaulted outside her high school following a dance. Multiple people are being accused of raping her, while others "just stood there and watched". The young woman was given alcohol and some of the accused are over eighteen. Those involved are said to have invited the girl over to a common area on school grounds to drink. Where were school officials and why were 19-21 years olds, or any non-students for that matter on school grounds? Who stands by and watches a young girl get repeatedly assaulted and laugh about it? Over 20 people are said to be involved. Over 20 people thought this was okay? It's awfully sad that these people are too afraid of the consequences if they say something. It is probably a real fear which makes it that much more depressing and disturbing. What will become of the girl? Will she, or could she ever return to school? Should she be afraid of retaliation?
Here's hoping she will have more support from those around her now and in the future. She will need it more than anything.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33531235/ns/us_news-crime_and_courts/
PAVE Voices: Promoting Awareness, Victim Empowerment is an organization committed to shattering the silence to the silence surrounding sexual violence!
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