15-year-old Audrie Pott from California was allegedly raped after passing out drunk at a party just this past September in 2012. Eight days later, photos of the incident went viral leading to her downward spiral of depression and ultimately suicide. This the second reported account of suicide after rape in cyber-bullying in just five days.
Social media such as Facebook and Twitter have played a detrimental role in more than enough sexual assualt cases in the these recent months. It was only a month before this case in August when we all heard about the 16-year old girl in Steubenville, Ohio who was raped by two high school football player. They sent pictures of her streaming online as well and only got a couple years in a juvenile detention facility.
Not enough is happening to these sick perverted teens. They pretty much get a slap on the wrist. What we should be looking for is a way to try them as adults. This is stance that Audrie’s parents have decided to take.
Eight months had passed between the alleged rape and the arrests of the three boys. Allard, the family lawyer said Audrie’s parents are “temporarily rejoicing” at the news that their the teens who committed the crime may actually be tried as adults. Apparently, the family will also be pushing for legislative action by making “Audrie’s Law,” which would entail harsher penalties for cyber-bullying.
It’s about time parents got more serious as well as the communities around them in matters such as these. Again, I ask, why do weed-dealers get more time in prison than rapists and pedophiles? Something must be done!
