In Silence, Even More Harm

It’s hard to say which was more shocking: the condition of the 16-year-old girl, brought to a hospital unconscious, her body covered with bite marks and bruises. Or the ages of the boys arrested last week--14, 16, 17, 18--and charged with sexually assaulting her.

Police allege that the girl and boys were in a group of up to 15 teenagers who had ditched classes at Birmingham High School in Van Nuys and were drinking alcohol and partying at a classmate’s house. No parents were at home. Police say the girl was raped and sodomized after she had passed out drunk.

The investigation is continuing and could lead to more arrests.

High school students could talk of little else once word of the arrests got out. The only good that can come of this would be for them to keep talking--and for adults to join in.

There is too much silence on the subject of rape. What talk there is is whispered--and wrong: She asked for it. He needed to show he is a man.

Such ugly myths cross cultures and age groups. They are fueled by peer pressure and alcohol, key ingredients of what students say are all too common daytime ditching parties.

But these are teenagers we’re talking about--and talking to. They can learn. They can change.

Last week’s arrests are a wake-up call to start the conversation. At home, at school, in the community.