Just two months ago, a teenage girl wrote on her public Facebook page. On the same pages are selfies in new clothes and photos of sunsets. And a picture of her bruises.

The girl, 16 years old and reported as living at "no fixed address",  died over the weekend. We do not know the circumstances. We share this with you not as the news of her tragic death, but because her own words may help you understand how too many girls and women live. If you need help call  519-371-1600.

"I'm no longer afraid of you. I don't have to listen or do what you say. I don't have to listen to you yell or scream at me anymore. I don't have to be hit or tormented by you anymore. I don't have to cover the bruises or cuts anymore. I don't have to lie to keep you out of trouble anymore. I don't have to act and dress and be how you want. I don't have to be scared of getting punched in the face, having my head caved in, being slammed against the wall, etc I am no longer scared of your threats, words, or actions. Hit me again and you'll regret it. I don't need your lousy abuse nor will I stand by it. I have friends and family who can and will help me. You can't get at me. You can't get to me. You can't come after me. And if there ever is a day you come back and beat me up again, I swear you will regret it. Because I don't deserve this abuse. No one deserves this abuse."