September 2009 E-Newsletter

"When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid." -- Audre Lorde

Lauren Bryeans

I feel the interview was conducted delicately enough in a way to which we could feel as though we were holding hands with the victim herself while giving our statements. We gave this account of a night to which will forever be inserted into our minds and hearts, and by all the feedback we received, I believe our voices were reaching out to those who were themselves victims to such horror and abuse.

The rape was definitely the main focus of the segment, although I feel they needed to focus on the alcohol for a couple reasons. First, these guys were known for throwing out of control parties where liquor flowed openly. Second, they were targeting girls who came to their parties (there was one party that April and I attended December of 06 I believe, and on the fridge they had a sign that read "Jello Shots for the Ladies Only") mainly to get them drunk, and apparently had other plans. The segment did focus on alcohol usage for a better half of the segment, but I feel it was to show that these guys were abusing the alcohol at their parties, giving alcohol to minors, and using it as a method to get girls drunk at their say so.

I was very surprised when I saw the names of the guys in the room announced, not to mention their faces splashed on the television. For majority of the interviews we did, we not once mentioned the names of the men in the room until we learned the civil suit became public record, it was justice for our victim.

Sheriff Laurie Smith is amazing, along with the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Dept. The women behind NWLB campaign are the real heroes. And the strongest woman I have ever met, the victim herself. She has nothing but heart and true courage, I will forever stand by her.

Lauren Chief Elk

I did not like the fact that she asked Laurie Smith, "Do you think this young girl put herself in a dangerous position by drinking so heavily?" Laurie Smith answered, "That's a terrible question to ask because it's never the victim's fault." Incredible answer! But, personally, I believe the question should have never been asked. All that question did was insinuate that it WAS the victim's fault. With the exception of that question, I was pleased with the entire 20/20 team and production.

The piece started out with the anchors telling the audience that "at least one teenage party will get out of hand this weekend". That made it sound like a bunch of drunk and horny teenagers will get rowdy without adult supervision. Do people have drunken consensual sex? Of course. However, that is absolutely not the same thing as rape. I think the piece focused mostly on the alcohol because it's such an easy way to put blame on the situation. Although, very little of that blame was focused on the boys. Her ex-teacher said, "I would never describe her as a wild child." What's the point of saying that? If she was a "wild child"...then what? That means she deserves to be assaulted?

I am so utterly grateful 20/20 chose our story to do a piece on. It gives us, and the entire No Woman Left Behind movement an amazing platform. We had the opportunity to nationally discuss an issue that is forcibly trying to be silenced. Lastly, I want to express my gratitude to every individual survivor, and how much inspiration they give me every single day.

April Grolle

I think they should have focused more on the heinous act that took place, and not so much the alcohol. Mentioning how much was there and her BAC level automatically proves that alcohol played a key component. I just think the authorities mainly talk about the alcohol because it was so blatantly obvious, and for them, rape was ambiguous.

It is hard for me to watch. It brings me great happiness and relief to have it finally air. We have wanted this opportunity for so long. The moment we heard the words "insufficient evidence", we wanted to megaphone our outrage to everyone. I have written many essays about that night, one in which my English teacher wanted me to submit to the school newspaper. That night has made me who I am today. When I was 17, I was a victim my junior year in high school. I decided to ignore the situation and just continue being a teenager. I thought I learned from the situation and thought it wouldn't happen again. Obviously it came back to haunt me. I wasn't being courageous; I was just making up for the past. She is my hero; she has done and is doing what I couldn't do at her age.