New sexual assault awareness campaign launched at Quincy’s high schools

QUINCY, Mass. — At Quincy High School, students are shocked to learn that another student was recently a target of sexual harassment and hate speech online.

“I just find it unbelievable that somebody would take the time to do this,” Student Christopher Vottary told me.

In a sharply worded statement, Quincy Superintendent Kevin Mulvey called the incident “alarming” and “extremely disturbing.”

He added the harassment includes “pro-rape speech online.”

The Superintendent wrote in part, “This is offensive and dangerous behavior that will not be tolerated by the Quincy Public Schools and the students involved in this misconduct will be held accountable and appropriately disciplined.”

“I’m very disappointed,” student Isabella Soto said.

In response, the Quincy School Department is mandating a sexual assault awareness campaign at both of the city’s high schools.

Superintendent Mulvey wrote: “This campaign will focus on the education of our students about the importance of healthy relationships, respectful communication, and appropriate responses.”

The anti-Domestic Violence organization DOVE, INC will bring the campaign to more than 2,500 students at both high schools, immediately.

Isabella Soto/Student

“I think it’s good because it helps spread awareness and focus more on positivity, less negativity, and putting people down,” student Isabella Soto said.

Cox Media Group