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Professor, Oakville thanked for support in sexual assault case by David Lea Oakville Beaver Staff 7 | Friday, August 15, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com The victim of a much-publicized sexual assault case in Steubenville, Ohio has thanked the Oakville community, and a local college instructor in particular, for supporting her at a time when many others did not. Sheridan College Communications and Literacy Studies Professor Nicolette Little organized a letter-writing campaign in May of last year with the goal of sending letters of support and comfort to the woman, identified only as Jane Doe. Little did not like the way Jane was being treated by her peers or the media in the aftermath of the trial. The case revolved around a 2012 incident in Steubenville, Ohio in which two high school football players were tried for the sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl who had passed out at a party. Much of the assault was captured on social media and widely shared. Little said she was greatly disturbed when the victim's peers expressed opinions that the teen shared blame for what happened because of her level of intoxication at the party. Little was also shocked by some media coverage that focused on the "so-called tragedy" of the bright futures of the football players being tarnished by a rape conviction. "Because the responses she faced in her community were not always positive, some were highly critical and bullying, there was a lot of room for her healing process to be impaired or really negatively impacted," said Little. "The more support you can give someone Sheridan professor Nicolette Little gathered letters last year to send in support of the victim of a 2012 incident in Steubenville, Ohio in which two high school football players were tried for the sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl at a party. | Oakville Beaver file photo who has been through a rape or assault, the absolute better. By contributing our voices en masse, both in Oakville and other areas of Canada, we've managed to show a girl who has been through a horrendous ordeal that people do care." Little contacted friends, neighbours and ultimately the Oakville Beaver to get her letterwriting campaign underway. She said the effort resulted in approximately 100 letters being sent to Steubenville where Jane Doe's lawyer, Robert Fitzsimmons, relayed them to his client. The letters were well received with Fitzsimmons thanking Little for her efforts. "My client really enjoyed the well wishes that you sent," said Fitzsimmons. "I want to commend you for acting upon your feelings. I'm sure that anyone who heard this story had compassion for Jane Doe and like most people, you took it upon yourself to try to make a difference. I don't know you, but I have a feeling that you will continue doing that throughout your life. It's a wonderful thing when you can help someone else. I believe it's one of the best experiences in life. Keep up the fight. I wish you the best in all of your endeavors." Little said she is thankful to all who participated in her campaign. Contributors included not only a number of Oakville residents, but others from across Canada. Some notes, Little said, were from women who had also been sexually assaulted and were offering advice. They said that what Jane Doe is going through gets better and noted that what happened was not her fault. "I want to say thank you Oakville for stepping up to the plate and showing that Oakville is a place that (stands) up against violence against women, which is great," said Little. She is reminding local men that they, too, will have an opportunity to also stand up against violence against women on Sunday, Sept. 28 during this year's Hope in High Heels event. The special walk will see men don pink high heels to raise funds for Halton Women's Place, the local women's shelter. For more information, visit the event's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/ Hope-in-High-Heels/411379599004684. Interlocking Tumblestone, Retaining Walls, Garden Installation, Sodding & Excavating, Call for FREE Estimate MY FIRST, MY LAST, MY EVERYTHING. plus more (905) 827-8158 · www.rogerslandscaping.org September start. LIMITED SPACE available for a THE FUTURE IS NOW. We have created a studentcentred learning environment to unleash the academic potential of all students in the College and to maximize the accomplishments and potential of our graduates. - Marc Ayotte, Head of College APPLY NOW! Hillfield Strathallan College is an independent day school for Montessori Toddler and Pre-Kindergarten students to Grade 12. Visit us at www.hsc.on.ca. Maximize your potential for September 2014. 4080 Fairview Street, Burlington (between Walkers & Appleby) 905-633-7226 Hours: Mon.-Wed. 10-6 · Thur.-Fri. 10-8 · Sat. 10-6 · Sun. 12-5 Call Scott Barton 905-389-1367