Dear AAUW Leader,
It has been difficult to watch the case in Steubenville, Ohio, where this weekend a juvenile court judge found two high school boys guilty of raping a 16-year-old girl.

Rape is always horrific. But the response to this case has troubled me. In the news, on social media, and in the Steubenville community, we’ve seen an outpouring of victim blaming that has too often crossed the line into bullying and sexual harassment. Just yesterday, two girls were arrested for allegedly threatening the life of the victim.

This high-profile example illustrates the terrible effect bullying and sexual harassment can have on individuals and communities. Instead of further victimization, threats, and blame, we need to give survivors justice, peace, and safety.

While changing attitudes about sexual assault and victim blaming will take time, one immediate step we can all take is to talk with middle and high schoolers about sexual harassment, sexual assault, and consent.

You can start these conversations in your own community by sending AAUW’s report Crossing the Line: Sexual Harassment at School to principals and guidance counselors. Schools can make a difference by teaching that disrespectful, harassing, and nonconsensual behavior is never OK, nor is blaming the victim or threatening people who report crimes.

I hope you will join us in taking action on this important issue.

Thank you for all you do to empower women,

Linda D. Hallman, CAE

AAUW Executive Director/CEO