Dawn-Marie Wesley suicide

Dawn-Marie Wesley, 14, from Mission, British Columbia, Canada, was a student who committed suicide on 10 November 2000, after experiencing a cycle of bullying by psychological abuse and verbal threats from three bullies.

She left behind a note to her family that referred to the bullying to which she had been subjected: "If I try to get help, it will get worse. They are always looking for a new person to beat up and they are the toughest girls. If I ratted, they would get suspended and there would be no stopping them. I love you all so much."

Incident

At the age of 14, Dawn-Marie Wesley committed suicide after experiencing a cycle of psychological abuse and verbal threats ("bullying") from three friends. In her suicide note, Dawn-Marie named three girls, initiating a Canadian police investigation and court case where the three defendants were made to stand trial for their actions.

Legal Proceedings

One of the defendants was acquitted, the other two were convicted. B.C. Provincial Court Judge Jill Rounthwait's ruling stated that it was clear that one of the accused had bullied Wesley repeatedly thus giving the victim reason to fear for her life. Rounthwaite also stated that bystanders added "to the power of the bully" by letting the harassment continue without intervention.

ee also

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References

* [http://www.cbc.ca/news/story/2002/03/25/wesley020325.html CBC News B.C. girl convicted in school bullying tragedy]
* [http://www.ratsandbullies.com Rats & Bullies: The Dawn Marie Wesley Story is a documentary feature film by Ray Buffer and Roberta McMillan]
* [http://www.briomag.com/briomagazine/relationships/a0005048.html Carolyn MacInnes, "The Big Five Bullying Myths." Brimag 2004. retrieved July 9, 2007]