Parenting
This week, I found myself glued to the coverage of a heartbreaking incident in a small town. I saw young men breaking down in tears over their futures while they were involved in a horrific act against a girl. The media has labeled them as ‘promising’ young men, but what about the girl? She’s been blamed for being intoxicated, and it’s just devastating to see that no one stepped in to protect her that night. Instead of helping, people laughed, took photos, and now they continue to protect the boys who committed this crime. It’s unacceptable that she is still being held responsible for this assault. We must do better for our children, our friends, and even strangers we encounter. Remember: rape is a crime, and it is never the victim’s fault.
As a mother of three daughters, I feel a surge of fear. I want them to make wise choices, but I also wish for a world where people look out for one another. I hope they will always be the ones to lend a hand to a friend—or even a stranger in need. However, regardless of the choices they make, the gatherings they attend, or the events they go to, NO ONE has the right to violate them. It is not their fault, and it will never be.