US: 14-year-old victim of anti-gay beating charged with assault
Virginia high school student Eric Martin is facing two assault charges following an attack last month that left him hospitalised for nine days with a concussion and other injuries.
The attack, which took place at Henrico County’s Highland Springs High School, was carried out by four of Martin’s classmates.
In an interview with NBC 12, Martin’s mother, Mary Martin, noted that the extent of Martin’s injuries were inconsistent with a mere fight.
She said: “A head injury. A broken hand. That’s not just a fight. That’s a beating. That’s a vicious beating.”
According to his mother Martin threw the first punch, but only after being the victim of anti-gay bullying and gay slurs.
Family advocate Tammy Motola is helping the Martin family in their time of need.
She said: “It’s always the perpetrators that get away with the crime.”
“When the victims have finally had enough, after being verbally attacked and bullied for years and they snap…they are the ones that are penalised.”
According to NBC 12, the Martin family is considering legal actions of their own.
Motola and Martin’s family have started a letter writing campaign entitled, Letters for Eric.
They hope that the campaign will let Martin know that he is loved and supported.
Letters for the campaign can be sent to: Letters for Eric, PO Box 993, Sandston, VA 23150.
