It’s not uncommon to hear about somebody being raped or attacked on the news, but what we don’t hear a lot about is the long term emotional distress the victims undergo throughout their lifetime. In fact, according to Dean G. Kilpatrick, Ph.D. of the National Violence Against Women Prevention Research Center, 13% of rape victims will attempt suicide even years after their attack. According to the New York Daily News, 15 year old Audrie Pott was grossly attacked at a party by three boys who took pictures of the rape and the pictures soon went viral. After constant harassment and bullying at her high school, the teen committed suicide.  Audrie’s story is very saddening and gruesome, but something that will not be forgotten or taken lightly.  Every day school officials try to eliminate bullying the best they can, but unfortunately it’s not always in their hands.  The attackers are being prosecuted; however, it’s crucial that teenagers around the nation learn something from this terrible event.

Underage drinking is reckless, dangerous, and unhealthy. Even if “everyone’s doing it” it’s important to take caution in risky environments like parties, clubs, a stranger’s home, etc.  A big, and sometimes life altering mistake teenagers frequently make is underestimating danger by trusting strangers just because they don’t “look” like trouble, or drinking alcohol and losing their sense of what’s wrong or what’s right.  According to Suicide.org, about 44% or rape victims are under the age of 18 and 93% of the rape victims age 18 and under knew the rapist. Never enter a stranger’s home, or leave a party without being accompanied, and always make sure your parents or guardians know where you are at all times.  Young people often feel a false sense of security, “that could never happen to me”, unfortunately, it can and the chances increase with every risky, unsafe decision.