New Year, Same Me—But Better: Lessons from Audrie & Daisy

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As we step into 2025 with a commitment to growth and reflection, I want to share my thoughts on a documentary that shook me to my core: Audrie & Daisy (2016). This heartbreaking film spotlights the stories of two teenagers who became victims of sexual assault, only to be further victimized by a society that prioritized protecting perpetrators over seeking justice for those harmed. It’s a story that lingers, sparking a deep conversation about systemic failure and the urgent need for change.

A System Rigged for Perpetrators

Watching the documentary, I was struck by how much effort and institutional power is directed toward shielding perpetrators. Daisy Coleman’s case, in particular, revealed an unsettling reality: the judicial system is often incapable or unwilling to deliver justice for survivors of sexual assault.

The prosecutor’s statement—“Daisy’s case was just too hard to prove within the court system”—wasn’t just an excuse; it was a chilling reminder of how ingrained biases and structural inadequacies perpetuate harm. This isn’t about individual perceptions or isolated incidents. It’s about a judicial framework that places an unbearable burden of proof on survivors, while perpetrators benefit from loopholes, societal complicity, and the unspoken presumption of innocence.

An Epiphany About Change

This realization led me to an epiphany: justice for survivors cannot begin and end with public outrage or individual accountability. It must start with laws. Comprehensive legal reform is needed to:

• Remove Barriers for Survivors: Simplify reporting processes and provide trauma-informed resources.
• Shift the Burden of Proof: Ensure the focus is on evidence of the crime, not on discrediting survivors.
• Enforce Strict Penalties for Cyberbullying: Recognize and address the devastating impact of online harassment that so often follows survivors of sexual assault.

We also need widespread education on consent, digital responsibility, and bystander intervention—starting at a young age. Change isn’t just a legal battle; it’s a cultural one.

Remembering Daisy Coleman

Daisy Coleman’s tragic death in 2020 added another layer of heartbreak to her story. Her passing reminds us that the trauma of sexual assault and the subsequent victim-blaming can have lasting effects, often leading to mental health struggles. Daisy’s advocacy work and bravery deserve to be remembered, not just as a cautionary tale, but as a rallying cry for action.

As you reflect on the year ahead, I encourage you to watch Audrie & Daisy. It’s not an easy watch, but it’s a necessary one. The documentary forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about how we, as a society, handle sexual violence. Let’s take that discomfort and channel it into meaningful action.

Where Do We Go From Here?

We can start by having these hard conversations in our communities. Support organizations like RAINN that provide resources for survivors and push for legal reform. Hold schools, workplaces, and online platforms accountable for their roles in perpetuating harmful environments. Most importantly, let’s commit to raising the next generation to value empathy, respect, and justice.

2025 is the year of learning and growth. Let’s make it a year where we show up for survivors, challenge the status quo, and work toward a world where justice is not an exception but the rule.