The recent death of a noted sexual assault survivor and victim advocate has many local experts claiming that more work is needed to support those affected by an issue that has become too commonplace in society.
Daisy Coleman was the victim of rape back in 2012 at the age of 14, with her experience being detailed in the critically acclaimed Netflix documentary Audrie and Daisy.
Coleman, along with her older brother Charlie, dedicated her life to speaking out against sexual violence and encouraging others to share their stories. Her mission eventually brought her to Emporia back in early 2018 where she was the featured speaker for the S.O.S. Child Abuse Prevention Summit.
Sadly, on Tuesday Coleman was found dead a the age of 23 after an apparent suicide.
Following tragedies such as this, many will often point to a failure of the “system” designed to assist victims as the root cause. Lucas Moody of Crosswinds Counseling and Wellness believes Coleman’s death is not an example of how the “system” fails victims.
Rather, Moody believes it demonstrates how we as a society will often revictimize victims to the point where they see no other alternative other than self-harm.
Coleman’s story and the Netflix documentary led to the development of a curriculum for sexual assault awareness in schools across the country. This includes the local KVOE listening area thanks to the efforts of SOS and SOS Assistant Director of Crisis Services Tina-Rae Scott.
Scott spoke with KVOE News and explained that after coming forward Coleman was still victimized by relentless bullying and victim shaming. Scott says, unfortunately, these actions have been and continue to be all too common occurrences in today’s society.
Scott added that Coleman’s personal experiences with bullying and shaming likely played a major role in her death.
Beacon For Hope Suicide Prevention Director Melissa Kurtenbach says individuals who bully or shame victims do not understand the full impact their actions have until it’s too late. Kurtenbach explains actions such as victim shaming and intense bullying can often lead victims to begin questioning their own experiences.
She says this furthers their trauma as they have to constantly relive it in order to validate their experience to themselves.
Moody says when victims feel supported; they are more likely to seek out care from professionals within the mental health system who can help them through their trauma. Scott adds, that in order for victims to feel safer in coming forward there has to be a major change at the cultural level. She says this begins with society being more receptive to the needs and experiences of victims and having zero tolerance for victim shaming.
Moody, Scott and Kurtnebach all wish to remind anyone who may be struggling that they are not alone, and there are people who want to help. If you, or an individual you know, would like more information on suicide prevention or resources available for victims of sexual assault please contact Crosswinds Counseling and Wellness by calling 620-343-2211, SOS Services at 800-825-1295 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
