Audrie & Daisy: Why Sexual Assault Education Must Evolve | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Audrie & Daisy: Why Sexual Assault Education Must Evolve

Knowledge is power, and so is this documentary.

53
Audrie & Daisy: Why Sexual Assault Education Must Evolve
YouTube

After a long day, I did what we all do and jumped into bed and logged onto Netflix. That is when I stumbled upon a documentary entitled, "Audrie & Daisy" and instantly started watching. Any documentary that discusses violence toward women always grabs my attention, but this film was different from anything I've seen before.

"Audrie & Daisy" is about two girls' harrowing stories of sexual assault when they were merely 14 and 15 years old. The movie explains what happened to them from before their assaults, and what has happened to them years down the road. It starts out with Audrie Pott, but the majority of the film is about Daisy Coleman, since her case, "The Maryville Rape" blew up in the media in 2012.

What makes this film different is the fact that Audrie's perpetrators were featured in illustration form as a part of their settlement with Audrie Pott's family. The creators of this documentary were uneasy at first, but they decided that it could add to the film, and I think it definitely did. They are known as "John B" and "John R" and talk about their feelings throughout the assault and the result of their actions. Their remorse, and those who lacked it shows a fundamental problem with how we are handling sex and sexual assault education in our country.

The problem with America is that people feel uncomfortable talking about sex in general, but especially when we throw young people into the mix. There are parents out there that explain sex and sexual violence to their children, but not every parent does. Some will briefly touch on the subject, or are just naive and trust that their child would tell them if they are having sex. We should applaud the parents who are doing their jobs and enlightening their children on a topic that we all engage in. However, we still need sex education to ensure every child understands the pros, cons, risks and truths about sex and what sexual violence truly is.

Sex education in our country is different in every state and this is not surprising, but we have to do a better job to make sure we are all on the same page. According to the National Conference of State Legislators, only 24 states require sex education and 21 states require both sex and HIV education. Furthermore, 20 states' information is based on medically and factually accurate sources, and they can pull from varying studies to confirm their curriculum, even if they are outdated.

In a nutshell, this means that over half of our country's children in the K-12 public school system may not be receiving any information about sex at all. When it comes to education pertaining to violence against women, sexual assault and rape, the numbers are even lower.

If we want our kids to grow up happy, strong and intelligent, why don't we want to share any helpful information on sex, consent and what constitutes violence?

Why are we so afraid to talk about something everyone does and an act that can potentially ruin a person's life if done against their will?

If we don't start having meaningful conversations with our young people, the number of cases like Audrie and Daisy's will only grow. Nobody wants to see their child hurt by someone else's ignorance, lack of information and inability to care. If we want to stop seeing our boys, girls and those on any part of the spectrum being victimized, let's create an open dialogue with each other and our schools.

Here, you can take action and learn more about the documentary.

"Audrie & Daisy" is currently streaming on Netflix.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

181526
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

8409
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

453325
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

23815
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments