CW: Bullying & Abuse
A video of a young woman with disabilities being abused in Wahiawa has enraged the community, prompting the arrest of four teenagers. It has also prompted an apology from the parents of at least two of the suspects. The young woman was hit by at least four individuals and the person behind the camera. The victim’s relatives confirmed to Hawaii News Now that she is 21 years old. She is also a former Leilehua High School student.
In the video, the assault worsens when she falls to the ground and is kicked and struck in the head, unable to fight back. The specific date of the assault is unknown. However, the video was recently posted and immediately sparked outrage among Wahiawa students and their relatives.
Some community members took it upon themselves to track down the suspects while livestreaming the search on social media. At one point, approximately 11,000 people were watching it on Instagram live. Honolulu police said Wednesday night that three teenagers had been arrested in connection with the attack: a 13-year-old boy and two girls, ages 14 and 16. An 18-year-old woman was also arrested.
Unfortunately, disabled people are frequently victims of violence. According to a 2021 report from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, from 2009 to 2019, the rate of violent victimization against disabled people was 46.2 per 1,000, about four times that of nondisabled people (12.3 per 1,000).
Hopefully, the victim is able to start healing with the help of her family and friends. Assaulting someone and filming it is cruel. Everyone should be able to live a life free of abuse and neglect.
Sources:
Ancheta, Dillon. “Attack of a Young Woman with Special Needs Incites Anger, along with a Parent’s Apology.” Hawaii News Now, Gray Media , 22 May 2025, http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2025/05/22/attack-young-woman-with-special-needs-incites-anger-parents-apology/.
Harrell, Erika. “Crime against Persons with Disabilities, 2009–2019 – Statistical Tables.” The Bureau of Justice Statistics, The Bureau of Justice Statistics, 4 Nov. 2021, bjs.ojp.gov/library/publications/crime-against-persons-disabilities-2009-2019-statistical-tables.