 Parsons in 2012 | |
| Location | Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada |
|---|---|
| Burial | Halifax |
| Born | December 9, 1995 |
| Died | April 7, 2013 (aged 17) |
Rehtaeh Anne Parsons (/rəˈteɪə/, rə-TAY-ə;[1] December 9, 1995 – April 7, 2013), was a 17-year-old Cole Harbour District High School student who attempted suicide by hanging[2] at her home in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada, on April 4, 2013, leading to a coma and the decision to switch her life support machine off on April 7, 2013.[3] Her death has been attributed to online distribution of photos of an alleged gang rape that occurred 17 months prior to her suicide, in November 2011.[3][4] On a Facebook page set up in tribute to her daughter, Parsons' mother blamed the four boys who allegedly raped and released images of her, the subsequent constant "bullying and messaging and harassment", and the failure of the Canadian justice system, for her daughter's decision to die by suicide.[5]
In response to Parsons' suicide, Nova Scotia enacted a law in August 2013 allowing victims to seek protection from cyberbullying and to sue the perpetrator.
- ^ "Rehtaeh Parsons' Mother". Maritime Noon With Norma Lee MacLeod. CBC Radio. April 9, 2013. Retrieved April 12, 2013.
- ^ "Rehtaeh Parsons Video Tribute Marks Life Of 'Angel' (VIDEO)," The Huffington Post Canada, April 9, 2013, URL accessed April 14, 2013.
- ^ a b Jauregui, Andres (April 9, 2013). "Rehtaeh Parsons, Canadian Girl, Dies After Suicide Attempt; Parents Allege She Was Raped By 4 Boys". The Huffington Post. Retrieved April 11, 2013.
- ^ "Canadian teen commits suicide after alleged rape, bullying". CNN. April 10, 2013. Retrieved April 11, 2013.
- ^ Bazelon, Emily (April 10, 2013). "Sexting Scourge". Slate. Retrieved April 11, 2013.