Friends and relatives of Brendan Carr gathered on Sept 26th to host a candlelight vigil in his honor. Brendan Carr, an eighth-grade Long Beach Middle School student had been subjected to bullying, which ultimately lead to him taking his life on Sept 24, 2016. Julie Carr, felt it was important to honor Brendan’s life and those of others who have committed suicide, despite school officials’ fears that it might inspire others to commit suicide.
According to Fran Karliner, the Long Island Crisis Center’s director of development feels it is important to get this message out. “We want people to be aware that 80 percent of people who are thinking about suicide give signs, or let others know in some way, and that’s also why Long Island Crisis Center has a suicide outreach team, so that third parties who think a friend or family member is thinking about suicide can call us 24/7 and we can then do an outreach to the person.”
This is a terrible tragedy for the Long Beach community and for all of Long Island. Family and friends of Brendan Carr said he was a “gentle soul” “a sweet person”, “kind- hearted and funny.” A young life was lost all too soon.
Among those who spoke at the vigil were State Sen. Todd Kaminsky who challenged the children to be kinder to their peers, and the adults to do more to make sure kids get the resources they need. “I’ve been in Long Beach for a long time, and this is one of the darker days,” Kaminsky said.
Bullying has been around for ages and the problem has only increased. Taunting, criticizing, physically intimidating, shoving, name-calling in person or online are all forms of bullying. Cyber bullying in particular has risen in recent years, causing devastating emotional injuries that often lead to physical harm. Here at Goldstein and Bashner we take it very seriously when we get calls about injuries from bullying. First we want you to know it is ok to take action, in fact it’s important that you do. We offer a free guide for parents: Bullying in Long Island Schools–How to Fight Back and Win. Don’t feel helpless. Don’t wait until it is too late. If you would like our assistance in evaluating your case or just some free advice on how to stop the bullying, please call our office for an appointment. The initial consultation is free. Over the years we have come up with a plan that works for the unique needs of each family, and deals with bullying affecting children of all ages. Our compassionate lawyers will let you know your options, and if we feel you have a case, we will work tirelessly to obtain justice and compensation for your child and your family. Call us today at 516-217-9097. Help is just a phone call away.
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