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.