One of Netflix's latest documentaries titled "Audrie and Daisy" shines light on the systemic injustice that takes place in most sexual assault cases in the U.S. It is shocking, brutally honest, and in some parts extremely depressing, but it's important that you watch it. The film follows the stories of two high school-aged girls, Audrie Pott and Daisy Coleman, who were sexually assaulted and bullied after their assaults.
In September of 2012, 15-year-old Audrey Pott was at a high school party where she drank too much and fell asleep. She woke up the next morning to find her half-naked body covered in scribbles and sexually charged writing. Within the next week, videos of the assault spread around her high school as she tried to piece together what had happened that night. Sadly, only a week after the attack, Audrie's mother found her hanging from their shower. The boys responsible for the attack were not committed of rape.
Daisy Coleman's story is very similar; in January of 2012, Daisy was having a sleepover with a friend named Paige and they decided to drink together. Later in the night, she got a text from one of her older brother's friends inviting her and Paige over for a party. They snuck out of the house and 13-year-old Paige and 14-year-old Daisy found themselves in the basement of 17-year-old Matt. Both Paige and Daisy were sexually assaulted and Daisy woke up half frozen on her lawn the next morning. Paige's attacker admitted to his crime, but Daisy's attacker did not. Since the attack, Daisy has spoken out about the crimes committed against her, but legally, her attacker has not been punished sufficiently.
Sadly, these cases are not unique, isolated events. According to the National Sex Offender Public Website, about 1 in 5 high school females report being sexually/physically abused by a dating partner and overall, 30% of sexual assaults go unreported. These statistics show that sexual assault and abuse is an epidemic in this country. Stigmas surrounding victims and legal ramifications for the perpetrators need radical change in order for victims to feel safe and validated.
The documentary is a powerful film that every American should watch. The interviews with both law enforcement and the perpetrators are shocking and infuriating. Interviews with the victims and their families are heartbreaking and eye-opening. Show this to boys, girls, men and women; we can all learn something. The official website for the documentary provides discussion guides for teachers, professionals, and parents to get the most out of screening this film with young adults, they can be found here: http://www.audrieanddaisy.com/watch-and-discuss/di....
