PETITION CLOSED

  • The time period for signing this petition has ended.
  1. Signatures
    404 out of 500
    Petitioning
    1. A young girl in Texas
  2. Created By
    CONNECT New York
About this Petition Petition Letter Petition Updates

On March 8, 2011, an 11-year-old girl was raped by 19 men and boys in Cleveland, Texas.  Media including the New York Times coverage of this incident focused on statements made by local community members expressing concern for the futures of the men and boys involved, questioning her parent’s ability to care for her, and even criticizing the 11-year-old girl about the clothes and makeup she wore. A community rally was held in Cleveland where both victim-blaming and blaming of the victim’s parents were front and center. Outraged anti-violence and women’s activists, independent media outlets and individuals engaged in a vigorous debate about ethics of reporting on societal violence.

In the midst of this clamor there was deafening silence about the pain and suffering of an 11-year-old girl struggling to cope with the brutality of what was done to her. We, the society that fostered the conditions that allowed this to happen, did not bother to let her know that this is not her fault.  We did not prioritize a message of care and support in the aftermath of this violence .  We are making amends. Please join us and surround her with compassion and support.

This petition is a letter to the child.   Once signatures are collected, the letter will be delivered to the family by local women activists who are in touch with the family.  Please disseminate widely and join us in supporting the child and sending a clear message that she is not to blame. 

 

Why People Are Signing
Recent Signatures

Letter to a young girl in Texas

Dear Sister,

We are deeply saddened and outraged by what has happened and continues to happen to you. We are sending you our love and support.

What happened to you was not your fault!

Nothing you said or did was wrong. We are extremely upset to hear that people are blaming you for something that other people did. What’s wrong is that society failed to protect you. No child should have to grow up in fear of being harmed. You deserve care, compassion, and justice, and the right to grow up in a world where you do not have to fear being harmed, especially by people you know and trust.

Although you may feel alone in your pain now, please know that there are countless girls across America who have suffered the fear and humiliation of rape and abuse. Some were abused by strangers, others, like you, by people they knew and trusted. However, it is also true that the human spirit is resilient. Many of these same girls have been able to heal and go on to live healthy and happy lives.

Across America and around the world, many women and men are working to prevent rape and to change the conditions that make this kind of violence possible. We continue to be outraged when a victim of rape is blamed and will continue to fight this injustice. No matter what has happened, you are a precious human being with much to give to the world. You are much more than what has happened to you. You are not alone. People across the world are standing with you.

In solidarity and with love,

[Your name]

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