The story of Halifax

The story of a Halifax teen who took her own life earlier this year after months of bullying is being told again to an American audience in the latest issue of People magazine.

Rehtaeh Parsons' mother, Leah Parsons, said the U.S.-based publication contacted the family shortly after the funeral for the 17-year-old in April.

A journalist and photographer flew to Nova Scotia to interview the teenager's family and friends.

Rehtaeh took her own life earlier this year when she was 17 years old. Her family alleges she was sexually assaulted by several boys at a party when she was 15 and a photo of the incident was circulated online. Her family said she was bullied for months, and the relentless taunting led to her death.

Supporters of the boys, accused by Rehtaeh's parents of taking part in the alleged assault, deny the teen was raped.

Police investigated but did not lay charges. That investigation has since been reopened.

Parsons said the magazine was "really interested in getting the story out and we were quite impressed they were willing to cover the story in People. I think it's a popular magazine. The fact that they took on and saw it was an important issue to get out there was kind of a, you know, it was a nice feeling to know it's going to get more attention."

People magazine devoted three pages to Rehtaeh's story, along with the stories of other victims of alleged sexual assault and bullying.

"I think it's wonderful that [Rehtaeh's] story remains in the forefront and that more people are going to hear about it because the more people it reaches, the more chances it makes a difference in other people's lives, [for other people’s] children," Parsons said.

The issue, which features actor Matthew Perry on the cover, is on magazine shelves now in Toronto. Retailers say it will hit the stands in Halifax on Tuesday.

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