Dear Emily Doe

I had every intention of writing a different article for this week, but then I saw the news that Brock Turner has received early release after 3 months on his 6 month sentence for “good behavior”.

Excuse me Brock, if you’re such a good boy, why did you rape someone?

I have tried to write this article about 5 times. Honestly, I don’t know how. A large part of me is angry. Another part of me is nauseous. Still another part is disheartened and the last bit of me is not surprised.

I am angry because Brock Turner is essentially walking away a free man, able to do as he pleases. Yes, there were consequences for his actions, but they were virtually nonexistent. His sentence was only 6 months long. His actual time served was only 3 months long. Honestly the more severe consequences he’s facing are a life-long ban from USA Swimming and the infamy that he brought upon himself.

I am nauseous from the details of this case because a human taking advantage of another human who cannot consent is sickening. I am nauseous because Brock Turner has no concept of the severity of his actions and the trauma he caused his victim. I am nauseous because Brock Turner and his family care only about Brock Turner.

I am disheartened and not surprised because this case is not one in a million. Rape and sexual assault happen far, far too often on college campuses. Approximately 20-25% of women and 4% of men report having been assaulted while on a college campus. That number is absurd. It should be 0%. Brock Turner is walking away because he is a privileged individual. He is a college athlete. He comes from a stable home. He is a he. The sad reality is that if a woman accuses a man of rape or sexual assault she is met with criticism and judgement. Authority, friends and even family ask her if she’s sure, what she was wearing, was she drinking? Because you can never really trust a woman, am I right?

It seems that a reoccurring theme in Brock Turner’s case were letters. Brock wrote a letter. Brock’s father wrote a letter. Brock’s victim wrote a letter. I have skimmed Brock’s letter and his father’s letter. I should have read them in entirety but it just made me too sick to my stomach. I did read his victim’s letter though. I read every last word because she deserves someone who will listen to her and not judge her. She deserves a sympathetic ear because Lord knows she did not get one in court. So I decided to write a letter back.

Dear Emily Doe,

I don’t have the right words to say to you, so I will substitute that I am so, so very sorry. You have lived through a trauma that no woman–actually, no human–should ever have to. You have relived the trauma in front of an audience. No one should have to do that.

Despite the adversity and criticism you have faced throughout this trial, throughout the aggressive questioning, the hospital tests and the arrogance of the Turner men, you have stayed strong. And for that I have the utmost respect for you.

I can not say that I know what you have been through. But that’s not to say I don’t have a personal connection.

I know your life has changed since that fateful night. Dan Turner may say that the consequences of his son’s “20 minutes of action” are severe and life changing. But his son was not stripped and raped. He spent 3 months in jail. He won’t swim. He’ll live in infamy. But compared to the way your life has been altered, all that is nothing.

Emily Doe, you are my hero. I respect your choice to stay silent but to still speak out. Thank you for speaking for those who can’t and inspiring others to join your voice. Unfortunately, Brock’s actions against you cannot be taken back, but please, don’t let them define you. You are beautiful and strong, and an arrogant child like Brock does not have the right to take that away from you.

You are not the victim everyone says you are.