Rehtaeh Parsons, Amanda Todd deaths share shocking similarities

 

Amanda Todd and Rehtaeh Parsons lived on opposite ends of the country. They had never met, but sadly, had so much in common.

Both teens were bullied. Both were assaulted and exploited through social media.

They both committed suicide: Parsons last month in Nova Scotia, Todd last year in British Columbia.
Their stories have attracted international attention and touched those who’ve heard them.
They’ve also left many scratching their heads wondering how something like that could happen, not just once but twice.
But, if you talk to experts familiar with their struggles, they’re clear: It’s not a matter of “if” this will happen again, but “when.”
Corina Morrison and Megan Walker know all to well how easily something similar could play out here.

“We are losing too many kids,” said Morrison, co-founder of the London Anti-Bullying Coalition. “We are missing something as a society, whether it is empathy, respect, fear of consequences, I am not sure. But we are really missing something.”

Morrison and Walker, executive director of the London Abused Women’s Centre, said men must step up to the plate and end the cycle of violence towards women — young and old.

“We know one in three women will experience sexual assault and rape, and fewer than 10 per cent will report it to police,” Walker said. “We need to start teaching boys at a very young age that being masculine means you are able to convey empathy, compassion and sensitivity.”