Victim of Bullying or Domestic Violence?
Speaking of bullying, DeKalb County has issued a report of its investigation into the suicide of 11-year-old Jaheem Herrera. His mother filed suit last spring, arguing that the child killed himself because of bullying at school. The school system hired a respected retired judge to investigate the situation.
One controversial aspect of the judge's findings is the possibility that the child's suicide was related to domestic violence that he witnessed. Apparently, his mother's boyfriend has a documented history of abuse toward his mother. The mother's attorney called the abuse a "non-issue," and said that it had no bearing on the case.
It is possible that the abuse had nothing to do with the child's suicide, but it certainly is an issue. The mental health research is overwhelming that children who witness domestic violence experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, and aggression that children who do not. See also here, here, and here.
