If you knew you were going to kill yourself, would you tell your story first? Today I write in memory of a beautiful young girl. Over a year ago, Ashley committed suicide from the anger and frustration of her sexual abuse. Her family has asked in her honor to help keep her story alive and help raise awareness. So that's what we're doing.
“About a year ago Ashley came forward to investigators in central Texas, revealing she'd been the victim of years of sexual abuse beginning when she was 14 and lasting until the age of 17. She also claimed her abuser encouraged her to be promiscuous with other men.
"It's a very sick, twisted individual who was supposed to love her and care for her and protect her, and he didn't. He hurt her," said Tiffany Ruiz-Leskinen, Ashley's mother.
"She felt like she was not supported by investigators working on the case, including CPS. I hope they evaluate everything so justice can be done for her," said Ruiz-Leskinen.
We've reached out to several investigating agencies, but so far no one can tell us what if anything is being done about Ashley's allegations.“
The real tragedy here is that despite making the ultimate sacrifice and taking her own life, nothing has changed. We are just now hearing about this story. It’s been swept away in time and no one except her family and friends knows, or remembers Ashley. And this occurs all over the world, several times a day.
“This is why RISE is here. To prevent this kind of thing from happening. If someone who has gone through something so horrible can't find support, it can be dangerous. This is what we mean when we talk about the connection between rape/incest and suicide. They ARE connected. If you know anyone who claims they've been raped or molested, PLEASE give them the benefit of the doubt, even if you're not sure they're telling the truth. I despise people who lie about rape as much as anyone, but you never know. It is NEVER safe to assume someone is lying about rape or sexual abuse. In this case, it lead to the death of a teenage girl. We all have the power to save lives - just by listening, believing, and being a friend.” – Kylie [Founder/President]
Let’s not forget that even if you have a loving supportive network, parents that cared for you, and friends that would do their best to help you, sometimes the emotional pain can still be overwhelming. This is exactly the kind of person R.I.S.E. wants to reach. We have all been there, and we all know that sometimes love just isn’t enough.
I would like to encourage all our followers that if you find yourself in the same struggle Ashley faced, reach out, go to counseling, get help. Sometimes you find that family and friends are too close to the situation and by reaching out to someone not in your ‘network’ of people you can think clearer with less emotional charge.
As for authorities, Ashley is a prime example of how our justice system is letting down the hurt and abused yet again. Let’s not forget Ashley, let’s not forget that her family needs closure and justice, because that’s all they have left.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends. This much I can promise, R.I.S.E. will not forget Ashley Billasano.
For new articles:
Fox News
Reality Chatter
For suicide hotline:
1-800-Suicide, 1-800-784-2433
Home
National
Check out more about R.I.S.E. at any of the following:
Website: avoiceforheather.tripod.com
Myspace: myspace.com/avoiceforheather
Blog: avoiceforheather.blogspot.com
Facebook:www.facebook.com/avoiceforheather
Twitter: www.twitter.com/VoiceforHeather
Email: VoiceforHeather@yahoo.com
No comments:
Post a Comment