Nevaeh was my bright, beautiful daughter, only 13 years young, who tragically decided to end her life due to the relentless bullying she endured at Keene Middle School in Keene, New Hampshire. The pain of losing Nevaeh is exacerbated by the lack of accountability for those who contributed to her suffering. Bullying is not just child's play; it is a serious offense that can lead to devastating consequences, as in the case of my beautiful daughter.

The rise of 'bullycide' – suicide attributed to bullying – is a grievous reality that requires urgent attention and action. As it stands, our current legal systems do not adequately hold accountable those who bully others to the point of suicide. Yet, it is crucial that we address this gap to prevent further tragedies. I propose the creation of 'Nevaeh's Law', a legislative measure to classify bullying-induced suicide as a punishable offense, ensuring that all individuals involved, regardless of their age, are held responsible.

Statistics reveal that bullying is linked to numerous psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. The CDC specifies that over 7% of high school students have attempted suicide due to bullying. These are not just numbers; they are lives at risk. We cannot allow more children, like my Nevaeh, to become part of this tragic statistic.

Enacting Nevaeh's Law would serve as a deterrent to bullying and provide a framework for justice to those impacted. We must advocate for stringent measures including mandatory school reporting, increased counseling services, and educational programs that promote empathy and kindness.

I urge lawmakers in New Hampshire and across the nation to take action and champion this cause. Nevaeh's story should not be in vain. We must protect our children and hold bullies accountable before more lives are lost to such preventable circumstances. Please join me in demanding justice and safeguarding our future generations. Sign this petition to support Nevaeh's Law and make bullying-linked suicide a punishable crime.