According to Rehtaeh's mother, Leah Parsons, the Nova Scotia teenager went to a party in 2011, when she was 15, and became drunk on vodka. Kevin Morris is a veteran web reporter and editor who specializes in longform journalism. You probably knew nothing about her whatsoever. During the sentencing hearing, the courtroom was packed with reporters tweeting Rehtaeh's name. It spread like wildfire and she was cruelly mocked. The administrator of a website that used photos of Rehtaeh Parsons to advertise online dating is apologizing and has taken down his website, saying the use of the girl's image was a mistake . On Rehtaehs memorial Facebook page, her mother, Leah, described how the rape and ceaseless harassment pulled the girl into depression and suicidal thoughts. The day after she discovered the photo, she formed a suicide plan and came close to putting it in effect, ex-plaining that she couldn't see another option. The man, whose identity is protected because he was 17 at the time of the offence, admitted to posing with Parsons at a house party in Cole Harbour, N.S., in a photo taken two years . ", Listing mitigating factors in the case, his lawyer said the man became well known after Anonymous activists in Halifax publicized his name. Rehtaeh's death has been compared to similar cases in the United States, including 15-year-old California girl Audrie Pott, who hanged herself after her family says she was sexually assaulted by friends and a photo surfaced online. At some point the RCMP reached out to the group defending Parsonss alleged rapists, prompting admin Latisha Brimicombe to deactivate it. [42], Last edited on 14 December 2022, at 08:33, Anonymous muscle in on Canadian teen rape case, Post-assault treatment of sexual assault victims, List of suicides that have been attributed to bullying, Rehtaeh Parsons Video Tribute Marks Life Of 'Angel' (VIDEO), "Rehtaeh Parsons, Canadian Girl, Dies After Suicide Attempt; Parents Allege She Was Raped By 4 Boys", "Canadian teen commits suicide after alleged rape, bullying", Rape, bullying led to N.S. "Where's the consent? The Getty Images design is a trademark of Getty Images. [10] On April 12, the RCMP announced the case was being reopened in light of "new and credible information" that they said did not come from the Internet.[11]. This happened in the 80s before there were cell phones. Rehtaeh Parsons was a gifted teenager with boundless curiosity and a love for family, science, and the natural world. Holten is empowered by these photos. He admitted to sharing the picture of himself and the girl, that was taken during a small house party at his home in November 2011, and was given 12 months probation by a court in Nova Scotia. 04/11/13 AT 12:22 PM. Each photograph becomes a subject. You have all worked so hard through such difficult times. Images via DarksideBarones/Twitter. [20], The Parsons case also prompted an external inquiry into the conduct of the Crown Prosecutor's office. The consequences of these actions are severe. Her ordeal began after a photo got shared of her leaning out a window . Just as rape and sex have nothing to do with each other, pictures shared with and without consent are completely different things.. The young man cried when he first heard Rehtaeh died. Sat, Apr 13: Family and friends gathered together for Rehtaeh Parsons' funeral today. Canadian media cannot refer to Parsons or the man by name because . These images reclaim power over the female body. On April 15, the group was deactivated, but not before organizing a counterprotest and postering in real life, in the fashion of the Westboro Baptist Church, setting up across the street from a pro-Rehtaeh demonstration and sticking posters in front of the Parsons house. [6] The teenagers were drinking vodka at a small party. "[27] Later, Anonymous announced it would not publicize the names of the individuals it believed to be the rapists, in respect of the Parsons family's wishes. Theres something so powerful and beautiful about that. Afterwards, many in school called Parsons a "slut" and she received text messages and Facebook messages from people requesting to have sex with her. We are that big sister guiding you through with advice that will get you #adulting like a pro. I am in tears over this. My heart bleeds for all of you, as a parent now I just cannot imagine what you are going through. There was shots and just being a 15 year old that wanted to be liked and cool I drank. One of the two boys convicted of distributing a photo of himself having sex with Rehtaeh Parsons , the 17-year-old Canadian teen who died after she was taken off life support following a suicide attempt, has given his first interview. I never spoke to my so called friend again but she did refer to me as slut from then on. He also faces separate charges of assault and making death threats. And now he's not a young offender, so everyone should know who he is. Her parents said she was sexually assaulted when she was 15 years old and then bullied relentlessly for more than a year. In a heartbreaking victim impact statement delivered during his Thursday sentencing, Rehtaeh's mother Leah told the teennow a manhow much she'd lost with her daughter's death, and chided him for not bothering to learn what a beautiful and generous person she was: I know that Rehtaeh did nothing to deserve that type of treatment. In November 2011, Rehtaeh Parsons, then 15, allegedly went with a friend to a home in which she was reportedly raped by four teenage boys. When Rehtaeh was born I dedicated everything to her and promised her the world. Im Jasmine. A source spoke to the Daily Dot on condition of (extra) anonymity. Search instead for rethaeh parsons? When I was 15 years old, I went to a party with my Friend. 2023 Miss Millennia Magazine Privacy Policy Splendor Theme by Restored 316, The pictures are an attempt at making me a sexual subject instead of an object. This, of course, brings into question what the RCMP, with their greater (legal) resources, have in terms of evidence. Anonymous wasnt involved in Steubenville? Would you trust your family members to be around him in a public spot? "I am truly sorry. I am not ashamed of my body, but it is mine. Their lives took a terrible turn in November 2011 when Rahtaeh attended a party with a few friends. Why ex Neighbours actress Caitlin Stasey launched feminist website Herself.com, Teenager commits suicide after photograph of her being gang-raped goes viral, Consent Is Key: A Victim of Revenge Porn Released Her Own Nude Photos. A judge for the Halifax Provincial Court imposed a mandatory DNA sample and ordered that the accused apologize to Rehtaeh Parsons' family. Blatchford calls that "a courageous challenge to the public narrative" around the case and calls the teen "brave." In 2012, another Canadian teen, Amanda Todd, committed suicide after a tormenter coaxed her into flashing her breasts on a teen videochat site, then harassed and blackmailed her for years by sharing X-rated images of her across the Internet. Grow your brand authentically by sharing brand content with the internets creators. He put me in his parents car where I slept. Two 18-year-old men were arrested on. No. Police initially concluded there were no grounds to charge anyone after a yearlong investigation. The RCMP are playing deaf and dumb with informing the public of the information they have in the case, our source continued. Her parents lobbied NS Justice Minister Lena Diab to lift the ban so her story could be publicized. [18][19][20] The provincial government of Darrell Dexter requested the report, which is entitled "External Review of the Halifax Regional School Boards Support of Rehtaeh Parsons". "He's not. Rehtaeh Parsons had her life support machine switched off after she attempted suicide following bullying over an explicit image taken against her will (Creative Commons) A man has walked free. Rehtaeh is gone today because of the four boys that thought that raping a 15 year old girl was OK and to distribute a photo to ruin her spirit and reputation would be fun. Im grateful to everyone for all of your support, thoughts, and the prayers youve sent us. [3][4] On a Facebook page set up in tribute to her daughter, Parsons' mother blamed the four boys who allegedly raped and released images of her, the subsequent constant "bullying and messaging and harassment", and the failure of the Canadian justice system, for her daughter's decision to commit suicide.[5]. New laws are being considered after these events. On April 4, 2013, Rehtaeh Parsons ( / rte /, r-TAY-; [1] December 9, 1995 - April 7, 2013), a 17-year-old student at Cole Harbor District High School, attempted suicide by hanging herself [2] at her home in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada, leading to a coma and decision to shut down medical support machinery on April 7, 2013 . At this party, Parsons consumed a substantial amount of vodka - substantial enough for her recollection of the . Thank you for your message. Rehtaeh's case also sparked an online campaign for justice involving the hacktivist group Anonymous. Please try again later. "This will be a life sentence for me," he concluded. [22] Segal made 17 recommendations, and found the system "failed" on just about every level; a series of improvements to policies, procedures and actions relating to cyberbullying, sexual violence, investigations and prosecutions was contained in the report,[23] but significantly Segal wrote that it was reasonable of the Crown Prosecutor's office to conclude there was no realistic prospect that sexual assault charges would result in conviction, and thus "the decision not to lay charges of sexual assault was understandable. How and why is she being sentenced? Asignificant number of celebrities (includingKim Kardashian, Keira Knightley, Chelsea Handler, Rihanna, Miley Cyrus, and Scout Willis) have posed for nude photos or posted their own to the internet. Others in this world took that away from her. "Humans make mistakes," said the young man, who turned 20 yesterday. Victims also can seek a protection order that could place restrictions on or help identify the cyberbully. "[24] Segal found that it was "important that either police or school authorities" speak to the students. Unfortunately Amanda Todd and Rehtaeh Parsons share a seeming failure on the part of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to properly serve and protect them. The review of the RCMP's investigation continues. "I will not live with the guilt of someone passing away, but I will live with the guilt of the photo.". As a result, "he has to likely move away.". Web of Lies After a teenage house party spirals out of control, a shocking photo goes viral around the local schools. [35] In response, Parsons' father, Glen Canning, accused Blatchford of victim blaming and argued, "The two boys involved in taking and posing for the photograph stated Rehtaeh was throwing up when they had sex with her. Sort by: Most popular Bullying Kills [18][19] One conclusion of the report was that Nova Scotian schools "need to do a better job preventing harassment and sexual aggression". She was a straight-A student. So, I wont try to do that. Police in Canada have charged two young men with distributing child pornography in the cyberbullying case of Rehtaeh Parsons, a 17-year-old who killed herself after a photo of her allegedly. "I'm not going to go on about all the struggles I now have to endure just to make it through the day. "[28], There are reports that members of the hacker group Anonymous involved itself in tracing the alleged perpetrators of the incidents Parsons suffered. Secondly, All the bullying and messaging and harassment that never let up are also to blame. It sometimes feels impossible to encompass all that needs to be said. Rehtaeh Parsons Case Connected To Stabbing? The crime itself. But they havent come out and said the reasoning for dropping the case originally. When were completely happy with our efforts the information will go to the people we believe can make the difference in the case. Oregon Tea Party raid. Her and her BF set me up with his best friend. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police investigated the case, but found insufficient evidence to press chargesdespite photographic evidence of the crime. I remember crying and saying NO but it didnt stop. The photo was taken like it was a typical Facebook photo, just some kids having fun. And the message they relay. We must understand what is at stake when these images go viral, whether they were taken by the women themselves or their lovers, but especially when the women arenot consentingto what is taking place in these pictures or videos. Everybody has a right to know, in all honesty, even a young offender. Really? Update:2 arrests made in Rehtaeh Parsons rape case. . Instead, the police called it a "he said, she said" case and also decided the photo was not criminal, in spite of Parsons being a minor. [12] Citing the offender's age at the time of the crime and Canada's Youth Criminal Justice Act, the Crown had advised the Judge that the only possible penalties in this case were either probation or a conditional discharge. (The young man who posed for the photo was also underage at the time. Never has the message been so powerful than Caitlin Staseys (ofReign)Herself,a feminist website that features not only nude photographs of women but also in-depth interviews with each participant. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. ", "She didn't get to see any of those goals listed and she never will," Leah added. The group was a gathering place for those who supported the boys rather than Rehtaeh. Consent is key. "[22], Significantly, the Segal report found that school board officials prevented a police investigator from talking to students at Parsons school. The end of this story could have been quite different. It is because these participants are in control of their choices. I wish I had known her :(, It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live. ~ Marcus Aurelius, 2023 All rights reserved Glenford Canning. These images are reaffirming. The RCMP expressed concern that the posters might lead to vigilantism, although they did not name the accused. When this happened Rae suddenly stood up on her chair in the movie theatre and started screaming for someone to help the fish. Rehtaeh Parsons was raped by four boys at a party. I hope this will provide some measure of comfort to family members.". The Canadian police only reopened the case following her death and were able to convict two boys of making and distributing child pornography. I wish I had known her. I want to help demystify the female form, to assist in the erasure of coveting it, and to help celebrate the ever-changing face of it. The tone can be expressed with a few quotes: Oh my I dun think this shits ever gunna end nothings gunna happen this time just like before no eveidence n people keep talkin bout chargeing them for child porn well fuck gotta charge a whole bunch of people every single person that got the pic I guess all them gotta b charged aswell OH MY! Nor that the Halifax Regional Police would open an internal investigation to the negligent way the case was handled, why a yearlong investigation with photo evidence closed without a single charge. This still does not justify the unfairness of what happened, but I hope it can give you and Rehtaehs mother some sense of peace and acceptance. I didnt tell him or anyone what happened until I was older. This is unacceptable. Leah Parsons said she planned to meet with Segal as soon as he's back in town. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies. She has a keen interest in WikiLeaks and web culture, and her bylines have appeared in Salon, Vanity Fair, Serious Eats, and elsewhere. The report said the Parsons family faced challenges when they turned to Nova Scotia's mental health system for help. Wait a sec. Boards are the best place to save images and video clips. The stigmatization of womens bodies? A Nova Scotia man who texted a photo that showed him penetrating a 15-year-old girl and flashing a thumbs-up while she vomited won't see the inside of a prison anytime soon. The Chronicle Herald became the subject of investigation for its actions following complaints by police, although other media outlets have been investigated in Halifax for violating the ban but have not been subject to any charges. Does Alan Cumming Really Live in a Scottish Castle? In 2011, 15-year-old Rehtaeh Parsons attended a party with a handful of friends. Be sure to readBody Drama: Real Girls, Real Bodies, Real Issues, Real Answers. Only one other person was convicted in the case, a 17-year-old. NotRehtaehs rape, apparently. Really? This inquiry, which was requested by the Dexter government in August 2013 and released on October 8, 2015, during the government of Stephen McNeil, was performed by Murray Segal, a former chief prosecutor in Ontario. Arrests were made in that case. If only is a poor response in the wake of this tragedy and it makes me so angry that those, yet again, who are supposed to protect their citizens (regardless of country) fail to do so. said Parsons was drinking at a house party with the two other teens in November, 2011, when one of the . Wells said the two were not being identified because they were minors when the alleged crimes occurred. I'm proud of Anonymous for doing what they did.". Find high-quality stock photos that you won't find anywhere else. I went back to my friends house to sleep over after this with her and told her what happened. The saga of 17-year-old Rehtaeh Parsons, the Nova Scotia teen who took her own life in early April, continues. Lastly, the justice system failed her. That was very debilitating. But she still called me a slut. Parsons died in April after a suicide attempt at the age of 17. Photo by Hilary Beaumont, Ivan Herritt, who showed up to support Rehtaeh's family and wore an Anonymous-branded hoodie but said he wasn't part of the group, said the court decision was "absolutely disgusting.". "Rehtaeh Parsons case prompts scrutiny of police, prosecution procedures", "Rehtaeh Parsons Suicide: Justice Minister Revisiting Alleged Rape Case", Rehtaeh Parsons case to be reopened by police, "Young man enters guilty plea in high-profile Nova Scotia child porn case", "No jail time in high-profile child pornography case in Halifax", "No jail for Canadian man over photo of alleged sex assault", "Second young man pleads guilty in Rehtaeh Parsons case", "Second man sentenced in Rehtaeh Parsons case gets probation", "Rehtaeh Parsons case: Teen in explicit photo gets probation", CH: "Rehtaeh Parsons report: Review IWK, Capital Health programs", therecord.com: "Rehtaeh Parsons cyberbullying report calls for hospital review", ottawasun.com: " Rehtaeh Parsons report calls for changes to Nova Scotia curriculum", theobserver.ca: "Rehtaeh Parsons report calls for changes to Nova Scotia curriculum", macleans.ca: "Review: Crown decision in Rehtaeh Parsons case was reasonable>, cbc.ca: "Rehtaeh Parsons report makes 17 recommendations", globalnews.ca: "Rehtaeh Parsons report prompts review of how school boards deal with police>, ctvnews.ca: "Report provides validation for family of Rehtaeh Parsons", Rehtaeh Parsons' mom calls for vigilantes to stop, Stephen Harper 'sickened' by Rehtaeh Parsons story, Friends, family, dignitaries attend Rehtaeh Parsons funeral, "Rehtaeh Parsons Suicide: Web Calls On Anonymous To Act After Nova Scotia Teen's Death (UPDATE: Anonymous Responds)", 'Anonymous' won't release names of Rehtaeh Parsons suspects, Bullying blamed in death of Nova Scotia teen, "U.S. teen's death eerily similar to Rehtaeh Parsons' story - Nova Scotia - CBC News", "3 U.S. teens arrested for sexual battery after girl's suicide - World - CBC News", "Rehtaeh Parsons case: RCMP worried posters supporting 4 boys could incite vigilantism", "Christie Blatchford: Why there may never be a case against the alleged Rehtaeh Parsons rapists", "Cyberbullying law inspired by Rehtaeh Parsons' suicide takes effect", "N.S. I thought she died. . She's gone," Glen Canning said. The RCMP have a history of dragging their feet in cases of teen sexual abuse. My daughter was three years old when we went to watch Babe: Pig in the City. Rehtaehs former school, Cole Harbour District Highschool, did not support or even acknowledge her when she needed them the most. Until recently, Parsons's name was the subject of a publication ban as she was underage when the photo was taken, and thus it qualified as child pornography. Following the suicide, Rehtaeh Parsons's mother, Leah Parsons, went public with the story and started a memorial Facebook page[7] called "Angel Rehtaeh. She was transferred from Cole Harbour District High School, to Dartmouth High School, to Prince Andrew High School to Citadel High School. [17], On June 14, 2013, the 56-page report of Penny Milton and Debra Pepler, two education experts from Ontario, was released. Parsons attempted to hang herself two years later and suffered severe brain damage. She had also written, "I am very much looking forward to the rest of High School. Did you know she loved to read, would drop everything to help an animal or friend in need? Theyve produced a series of shorts under the title Web Of Lies. Three years ago in British Columbia, another teenage girl was gang-raped. The 17-year old student from Cole Harbour, N.S., committed suicide after four boys sexually asssaulted her and then distributed photos of the. "I don't sit here as a parent and say he's perfect," she told Blatchford. You can read our previous coverage of the court case here and here. "Ms. Parsons was treated as no more than a prop for his enjoyment.". How can we undo the damage that has been done? She was just 17 when she hanged herself in the bathroom of the familys home in Nova Scotia. Zach Shallcross Struggles to Watch Himself Dancing Terribly on The Bachelor, Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine, Alison Brie on Sex Scenes: 'We Are Actors, This Is Our Job'. I will say that I always believed Rehtaeh would make an imprint on this world. Another 20-year-old man charged in the case, whose identity is also protected, was given a conditional discharge in November after he pleaded guilty to making child pornography by taking the photo of the accused. I had to read it more than once. Perhaps Rehtaehs suffering and death can act asa catalyst for reassessing how we treat women who have been violated.
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