RIP Olivia Penpraze

[JamaalWatson_]

RIP Olivia Penpraze

Just yesterday at a conference held in Melbourne (though the subject wasn't bullying) there was a brief talk of bullying, with a focus on cyber bullying and a tragic link to suicide. Though the mention was small, it was obviously hard hitting to anyone that keeps up with the news as more and more frequently, within Australia and around the world we are hearing about how real this link really is.



Just this morning, readingthe news I came across a story about a 19 year old girl named Olivia Penpraze from Rowville, Victoria - and was soon linked to a video, that struck me as maybe a way of venting her feelings, and also maybe something that could have been her final plea for help. In this video she published that she had silently struggled through anorexia, and how she had made her first suicide attempt in 2008, and how no one had noticed. In this video she also holds up a handful of hospital bracelets to demonstrate to her audience just how many attempts on her life she had made. And finally she discusses what she blames her problems on, that hit her during a session with a psychologist - bullying.

The little comments, the laughter, the little words. For Olivia they had all just built up inside of her and directly lead to bigger issues for her.



Olivia also mentions in her video that annually, she attempted suicide on May 1st. (If anyone wishes to watch the video - you can do so here.) She also mentioned that this year she feel like she's going to fail. But, in the end she didn't wait that long.



Last Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012. Olivia drew her last breath. She was left brain dead after a suicide attempt, and her parents (Warren and Kellie Penpraze) turned off her life support.

Olivia's father, Warren has also expressed disappointment (and rightly so) in all who had seen the video and knew Olivia's family, not getting in touch with them and giving them a heads up in regards to her announcement that she was planning suicide on May 1st. Even if it's not what happened in the end, an immediate attempt at helping her could have made a world of difference.



http://jamaalwatson....a-penpraze.html

 

[Jazzy]

Very sad but it strikes me odd that her parents seemed oblivious even though she tried suicide so many times before. May Olivia now RIP and may her parents find some way to forgive themselves.

 

[Fatal Dawn]

I'm pretty easygoing when it comes to topics other than bullying. I hate bullying. It's so senseless and disheartening reading about kids who are bullied to death. Often I can see myself. When I was young I never saw a life outside high school. It was difficult to stay positive and look to future after hearing hurtful words or being around hurtful people. It is a reality, an uncomfortable and harsh reality.



However there can be a positive ending. I got over my bullying, I saw past that tunnel. Now that reality looks so jovial to me. This is what the adults should have told her. Chances are they faced it too and know it all too well. The only difference is they got through, grew up, lived their life to full potential... They are living examples that even if you are bullied it can get better.

 

[JamaalWatson_]

I didn't know her, but I live just down Stud Rd from Rowville, so small world.



The video has been taken down as of today.