Rehtaeh Parsons, Teen gang raped, no charges, commits suicide

[treeseeker]

I agree with you JeannaT about shades of grey and equal accountability where it applies. But IMO the pics are a separate act, and they are heinous forms of bullying on their own. They may have been taken in a drunken state, but the viral sharing can't be entirely blamed on alcohol. Even if there was a level of consent at the time, pictures take her actions out of her control, IMO a form of assault.

 

[greenthumb]

I agree with you JeannaT about shades of grey and equal accountability where it applies. But IMO the pics are a separate act, and they are heinous forms of bullying on their own. They may have been taken in a drunken state, but the viral sharing can't be entirely blamed on alcohol. Even if there was a level of consent at the time, pictures take her actions out of her control, IMO a form of assault.

I agree. There are two separate issues here - the sexual assault, and the bullying that came after.

It is difficult for any of us, who know only what we are fed by MSM, to know the details of the rape - and there may indeed be shades of grey. With regard to that, I hope that a thorough re-investigation is conducted and if evidence supports the allegations, that charges are laid. From what I have read, I believe there is enough doubt about the quality and depth of the investigation to warrant a review.

However, with regard to the bullying that followed - there is no doubt that at least one of these boys (and perhaps others) were involved in disseminating pornographic photo(s) and in launching an assault on Rehtaeh's character, for an act that he participated in, as well - whether by force or with consent. IMO, that requires a separate, parallel investigation to be conducted, and charges to be laid.

And although I share concerns regarding women not taking responsibility for their actions when intoxicated, it should be kept in mind that Rehtaeh was 15 and at a friend's home - she was not an adult woman indulging in risky behaviours in a casino or other public place. An adult was in the home, but asleep - and I believe some culpability may lie there, as well. These were children, drinking underage in someone's home - IMO, the owners of that home have a responsibility to care for and protect children who are guests in their home.

:moo:

 

[treeseeker]

Another girl, Audrie Pott This time an investigation resulted in charges.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/04/12/3-teens-arrested-for-assault-after-girl-suicide/

eta: I didn't see a thread for Audrie, and the case is several months old.

 

[greenthumb]

http://www.ctvnews.ca/world/three-arrested-for-sexual-battery-after-u-s-teen-s-suicide-1.1235064

Eight days after allegedly being sexually battered while passed out at a party, and then humiliated by online photos of the assault, 15-year-old Audrie Pott posted on Facebook that her life was ruined, “worst day ever,” and died by suicide.
For the next eight months, her family struggled to figure out what happened to their soccer loving, artistic, horse crazy daughter, with a gentle smile, long dark hair and shining eyes.
And then on Thursday, seven months after the tragedy, a Northern California sheriff’s office arrested three 16-year-old boys on charges of sexual battery.

We need to turn all eyes on this growing pandemic that is affecting our teens. I think that in addition to reviewing and updating legislation, there needs to be a renewed commitment to education in our schools and in our homes about personal responsibility and empathy.

ETA - posting at same time as you, treeseeker... and yes, the assault took place months ago, but the charges were just laid yesterday, I think?

 

[JeannaT]

I agree. There are two separate issues here - the sexual assault, and the bullying that came after.

It is difficult for any of us, who know only what we are fed by MSM, to know the details of the rape - and there may indeed be shades of grey. With regard to that, I hope that a thorough re-investigation is conducted and if evidence supports the allegations, that charges are laid. From what I have read, I believe there is enough doubt about the quality and depth of the investigation to warrant a review.

However, with regard to the bullying that followed - there is no doubt that at least one of these boys (and perhaps others) were involved in disseminating pornographic photo(s) and in launching an assault on Rehtaeh's character, for an act that he participated in, as well - whether by force or with consent. IMO, that requires a separate, parallel investigation to be conducted, and charges to be laid.

And although I share concerns regarding women not taking responsibility for their actions when intoxicated, it should be kept in mind that Rehtaeh was 15 and at a friend's home - she was not an adult woman indulging in risky behaviours in a casino or other public place. An adult was in the home, but asleep - and I believe some culpability may lie there, as well. These were children, drinking underage in someone's home - IMO, the owners of that home have a responsibility to care for and protect children who are guests in their home.

:moo:

I don't disagree with you, GreenThumb, but we have to remember that the boys involved were no older than she was, and probably drunk as well. We can't hold them to a higher level of culpability for the behaviors at that house then we can hold her. All of them are young, impulsive, and drinking.

It's not clear that the girls were official guests at this home, or whether the parent would have a reasonable idea that they were there. There were 4 boys, 2 of them were brothers who live in the home. It sounds like they had two guy friends over, maybe to spend the night. At some point (may have been the wee hours of the morning) the 2 girls arrived. Don't know who technically was responsible for supervising them at that time, but apparently no parent knew what had happened to Rehtaeh until a couple days later. So it's hard to know what adult was remiss here in supervising.

It's not clear whether the girls arrived at the boy's house intoxicated. It's not clear when the friend of Rehtaeh left her there, alone, or why, or if this was pretty typical weekend behavior.

It's not clear who all disseminated the pictures, and why. For those of us in this conversation, if you saw a link to the photo of her, would you click through and take a look? Would you vaguely mention it here on the board so others could also find it? Does that make us any different from the boys who also looked at the photo and passed it on?

Some clearly bullied her by posting publicly calling her a . But did the guy who contacted her wanting sex do it privately - because he wanted sex and thought she'd give it to him? Teenage boys aren't known for smooth social skills. Was that bullying, or asking for a hookup, thinking he might get lucky?

It's so sad that now she's gone. But we're trading on very thin information here.

And now, the mother is asking for the public to stand down. Hopefully that will happen.

 

[greenthumb]

I don't disagree with you, GreenThumb, but we have to remember that the boys involved were no older than she was, and probably drunk as well. We can't hold them to a higher level of culpability for the behaviors at that house then we can hold her. All of them are young, impulsive, and drinking.

It's not clear that the girls were official guests at this home, or whether the parent would have a reasonable idea that they were there. There were 4 boys, 2 of them were brothers who live in the home. It sounds like they had two guy friends over, maybe to spend the night. At some point (may have been the wee hours of the morning) the 2 girls arrived. Don't know who technically was responsible for supervising them at that time, but apparently no parent knew what had happened to Rehtaeh until a couple days later. So it's hard to know what adult was remiss here in supervising.

It's not clear whether the girls arrived at the boy's house intoxicated. It's not clear when the friend of Rehtaeh left her there, alone, or why, or if this was pretty typical weekend behavior.

It's not clear who all disseminated the pictures, and why. For those of us in this conversation, if you saw a link to the photo of her, would you click through and take a look? Would you vaguely mention it here on the board so others could also find it? Does that make us any different from the boys who also looked at the photo and passed it on?

Some clearly bullied her by posting publicly calling her a . But did the guy who contacted her wanting sex do it privately - because he wanted sex and thought she'd give it to him? Teenage boys aren't known for smooth social skills. Was that bullying, or asking for a hookup, thinking he might get lucky?

It's so sad that now she's gone. But we're trading on very thin information here.

And now, the mother is asking for the public to stand down. Hopefully that will happen.

I agree, there's so much we do not know.

But I believe that parents are responsible for what happens to minors in their home, and should know who is there, no excuses and should be monitoring the situation even if it was just the 4 boys. JMO

And sharing of the pic obviously started with someone, and that someone was just plainly wrong. IMO, wrong to take the photo to begin with. There is no 'right' reason to have disseminated that kind of photo, as far as I am concerned.

If I saw a link to a photo of a minor (or anyone else) being sexually assaulted, I definitely would not link it here. Whether consensual or not, that is and has no place on this website. I may be confused as to what to do about it, or how/who to report it to, but definitely would not join in the distribution of it.

I am confused. I have never seen that kind of photo shared on any thread at WS before, and although I am not certain, I trust it would be totally against tos - why would you assume any of us would do so?

 

[JeannaT]

I agree, there's so much we do not know.

But I believe that parents are responsible for what happens to minors in their home, and should know who is there, no excuses and should be monitoring the situation even if it was just the 4 boys. JMO

And sharing of the pic obviously started with someone, and that someone was just plainly wrong. IMO, wrong to take the photo to begin with. There is no 'right' reason to have disseminated that kind of photo, as far as I am concerned.

If I saw a link to a photo of a minor (or anyone else) being sexually assaulted, I definitely would not link it here. Whether consensual or not, that is and has no place on this website. I may be confused as to what to do about it, or how/who to report it to, but definitely would not join in the distribution of it.

I am confused. I have never seen that kind of photo shared on any thread at WS before, and although I am not certain, I trust it would be totally against tos - why would you assume any of us would do so?

The prosecutor said it wasn't - I'm assuming it's not.

 

[PrairieWind]

http://www.ctvnews.ca/world/three-arrested-for-sexual-battery-after-u-s-teen-s-suicide-1.1235064



We need to turn all eyes on this growing pandemic that is affecting our teens. I think that in addition to reviewing and updating legislation, there needs to be a renewed commitment to education in our schools and in our homes about personal responsibility and empathy.

ETA - posting at same time as you, treeseeker... and yes, the assault took place months ago, but the charges were just laid yesterday, I think?

I agree more needs to be done. Legislation could probably be updated concerning the use of cameras/phones to record and transmit and store pics and vids of this stuff. The law on sexual assault is probably fine as it is, just needs to be enforced. There needs to be some better education of kids in my opinion. So many kids just dont seem to have a clue that they can't just do whatever they want with their phones/computers. Schools need to have district attorneys come into to explain to kids "this is the law, this behavior violates that law, and this is the penalty: prison. And YES we do enforce it." But there is also the other aspect you mentioned: at home. Parents must raise their children, boys and girls, to understand right and wrong, appropriate and inappropriate. I'm sorry, but multiple guys having sex with a teenage girl.... that is wrong and it doesnt matter if she is consenting or not. I certainly am no prude, but that is just wrong.

 

[greenthumb]

The prosecutor said it wasn't - I'm assuming it's not.

I do not recall reading that, did I miss it? Do you have a link? thanks

 

[matou]

Looks like the pressure worked. Too bad it came TOO LATE for Rehtaeh.

Rehtaeh Parsons case to be reopened by police

Halifax Regional Police and RCMP say they are reopening the investigation into the case of Rehtaeh Parsons.

Police say new and credible information has been brought forward to the police since the story of the 17-year-old's death was reported in the media.

The new information did not come from an online source, police said in a news release. They said a person has come forward with information. That person is willing to identify themselves to police and work with authorities as part of the investigation.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/story/2013/04/12/ns-rehtaeh-reopened.html

 

[greenthumb]

Looks like the pressure worked. Too bad it came TOO LATE for Rehtaeh.

Rehtaeh Parsons case to be reopened by police





http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/story/2013/04/12/ns-rehtaeh-reopened.html

This is good. But yes, sadly too late for Rehtaeh.

The cynical part of me says this may be a bit of a cover up, and what we're seeing now is 'damage control'. Is this info that has suddenly come to light really 'new' - or was it just not thoroughly investigated earlier? Or not welcomed. Ugh.

I sincerely hope that is not the case.

 

[JeannaT]

I do not recall reading that, did I miss it? Do you have a link? thanks

I spent some time looking for it and can't find it. There was someone - in some article - who paraphrased MacRae and said that the photo itself didn't rise to the level of child . He went on to say that it was also impossible to tell who snapped the picture or distributed it. I can find the second statement, but I can't find the first.

 

[greenthumb]

I spent some time looking for it and can't find it. There was someone - in some article - who paraphrased MacRae and said that the photo itself didn't rise to the level of child . He went on to say that it was also impossible to tell who snapped the picture or distributed it. I can find the second statement, but I can't find the first.

I looked too and couldn't find it. I think I recall reading something along the lines of it was decided not to press charges of distributing because of the boys' ages... but I'd have to confirm that now, too. And we're reading MSM, and we know how the actual truth can be distorted in reporting and that often, we'll read one thing now and another thing later. I'll look again later & see if I can come up with it. Thanks again.

 

[matou]

This is good. But yes, sadly too late for Rehtaeh.

The cynical part of me says this may be a bit of a cover up, and what we're seeing now is 'damage control'. Is this info that has suddenly come to light really 'new' - or was it just not thoroughly investigated earlier? Or not welcomed. Ugh.

I sincerely hope that is not the case.

I'm suspicious also.

 

[greenthumb]

This story leaves me wondering about the parents of the boys involved. Where were they in all of this? If they did not know, they surely do now. Where are they? Shouldn't they be standing up and taking some responsibility for their sons' actions? Teaching their sons something about accountability and decency? Expressing sympathy to Rehtaehs' parents? Their apparent silence bothers me.

 

[SapphireSteel]

Someone had sex with an intoxicated under age girl, then desseminated photos of it.

That is rape and distribution of child under the law. It's clear cut, on film, undeniable, and should be treated as the very serious crime it is.

HOWEVER - my own niece was a bit of a wild child and at 13 we found out she was sleeping with a 28 year old security guard at a kid's lockin ice arena.

We went to the police who said "we are not going to charge him".

The story goes, that the teenage girl will usually lie to protect the male, so they end up with no case...therefore the pedophile gets to keep abusing.

I'm not saying that's what happened here at all!!!!!!! as I don't know the details, but this attitude is common amongst LE and that's why.

You can't really blame them, when it's not the "victim" who is actually lodging the complaint...she doesn't see herself as the guy's victim, more like his girlfriend.

The minute LE detect allegiance to the offender, they drop it...in the case of a teenage girl that is. She is very likely to withdraw the charges and refuse to testify.

 

[matou]

http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/...und_online_are_wrong_honours_moms_wishes.html

 

[JeannaT]

Someone had sex with an intoxicated under age girl, then desseminated photos of it.

That is rape and distribution of child under the law. It's clear cut, on film, undeniable, and should be treated as the very serious crime it is.

HOWEVER - my own niece was a bit of a wild child and at 13 we found out she was sleeping with a 28 year old security guard at a kid's lockin ice arena.

We went to the police who said "we are not going to charge him".

The story goes, that the teenage girl will usually lie to protect the male, so they end up with no case...therefore the pedophile gets to keep abusing.

I'm not saying that's what happened here at all!!!!!!! as I don't know the details, but this attitude is common amongst LE and that's why.

You can't really blame them, when it's not the "victim" who is actually lodging the complaint...she doesn't see herself as the guy's victim, more like his girlfriend.

The minute LE detect allegiance to the offender, they drop it...in the case of a teenage girl that is. She is very likely to withdraw the charges and refuse to testify.

See, sapphire, I see these as two COMPLETELY different things. An almost thirty year old man, who works among little girls, having sex with one of them is undeniably a crime. I don't know what evidence there was that made you sure it was happening, but THAT is a crime that should be prosecuted, and that guy should be in jail.

I just don't think the same thing about kids who are the same age who drink and lose all their judgement and have sex with each other. And because everyone has a camera with them now and it's so easy to send pics, it takes off like wildfire.

The boy in the picture, BTW, is younger than Rehteah (according to rumors). It's hard to charge someone with child for distributing pictures of themselves in a sex act. Or anyway, girls aren't charged for it when they send pics of their goodies to their boyfriends.

I just don't see this situation with these kids as the same situation as a security guard having sex with a 13 year old. That guy is a predator, and who knows how many more he'll hurt in his lifetime.

BTW - about private security guards. Statistically, if you're a woman and ask to be escorted to your car at night by a private security guard at a business, your chances of being assaulted (by the guard) are greater than if you just took your chances and walked to your car by yourself in the dark.

 

[IzzyBlanche]

ETA:

Good grief, I am tired tonight. I confused this rape case with Audrie Potts's rape case. All these cases are sadly beginning to run together, know what I mean?

I apologize for my confusion but I stand by my original remarks below no matter what the case.

So I guess it's really very simple, huh? If you are a girl and you get passed-out drunk drinking with your male friends who are also drunk, and they decide to rape you while you are passed out, so sad, too bad. Shades of gray and all, who's to say you didn't come on to them before you passed out, so that if they did have sex with you while you were passed out, you pretty much already gave consent before by flirting with them, right? So why are you complaining, you ?

And if someone took pictures of it and passed them around to everyone in your school, well, shades of gray so even if you did agree to consensual sex while you were passed out, that kind of thing is acceptable among people who have consensual sex, right? I mean, I know I would feel perfectly comfortable if my casual-sex hook-up partner had his friends snapping pictures of us having consensual sex and passing them along to whomever, because that's just normal sexual behavior, right?

Dear God, please, I want to go back to my own planet Earth, where the above is all obvious rubbish to anyone with an ounce of decency and compassion.

 

[IzzyBlanche]

Social activists sign their names, and step into the line of fire.

I am so incredibly uncomfortable with anonymous people who threaten from behind a computer monitor and a mask. Terrifying, and creepy.

And actually, blackmail.

snipped for focus

I think you may be forgetting the Federalist Papers, written anonymously under the name Publius, by those social activists (now considered Founding Fathers) Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, urging the American people to accept the terms of the Constitution. Fascinating stuff, and where would we be today without their anonymous--and quite persuasive--social activism?

As for myself, what makes me incredibly uncomfortable is anonymous people who proclaim from behind a computer monitor that even in cases where the victim was by all accounts unconscious, shades of gray still exist as to whether she consented or not.

:moo: of course.