A family mourns their caring daughter and sister who suffered through relentless bullying at school. Tragically, 10-year-old Autumn Bushman of Roanoke County, VA, died by suicide in March.
According to friends and family, Autumn was an empathetic friend, sister, and daughter who loved acrobatics, giving gifts, and tight hugs.
Her parents, Summer and Mark Bushman, believe the fourth grader was targeted by bullies at school because of her empathy.
“She loved so unconditionally. She really wore her heart on her sleeve and felt everything so deeply that I don’t think she could quite understand the hate that could be coming her way,” Mark Bushman said.
The Bushmans hope other parents will see what happened to Autumn and start a conversation within their homes about the dangers of bullying.
“I think that Autumn thought that she was alone in the last couple of weeks on this earth, and we want her to look down and know she was not alone,” Summer Bushman said.
Bullying continues to be a dangerous epidemic among American youth. In 2020, suicide was the second leading cause of death for those ages 10 to 14 and 25 to 34.
The family spoke to Autumn’s school about the bullying, and the school district reports that they are reviewing what happened.
“Don’t let anyone being bullied, just be bullied. If you see something, say something to an adult,” Summer Bushman said.
In Chicago, schools are required to look into bullying within 10 days of initial reports. Additionally, bullying is illegal in all 50 states, but not all states offer a clear or easy path to seeking justice by taking civil action.
Taking a Stand Against Bullying
At Disparti Law Group, we extend our deepest condolences to the family. Our hearts are with them as they navigate this heartbreaking loss.
Our team is committed to taking a stand against bullying, starting right here in our community.
“No parent should have to endure the tragic loss of a child due to bullying or cyberbullying. Together, we can protect our young people and their futures,” says Attorney Larry Disparti, founder of Disparti Law Group.
If you find out that your child is being bullied, it’s best to take immediate action and schedule a meeting with the school as soon as possible.
You should also consider documenting anything your child tells you about the abuse, speaking to the bully’s parents if appropriate, and seek support services for your child, such as counseling.
Contact an Anti-Bullying Lawyer
You don’t have to go through this alone. Having a lawyer in your corner who understands bullying laws in Illinois can help you feel empowered to stand up for yourself or your child.
Contact our expert team today for a FREE consultation. We can help determine if you have an actionable case and, if so, how to win against bullying once and for all. Call (312) 600-6000.
