Since the coming out of the Stanford rape incident at the hands of Brock Turner, the victim of this heinous crime has shown notable grace and thoughtfulness in the eyes of the media. In her most recent statement to the press, she explains, "I remain anonymous, yes to protect my identity. But it is also a statement, that all of these people are fighting for someone they don't know. That's the beauty of it. I don't need labels, categories, to prove I am worthy of respect, to prove that I should be listened to. I am coming out to you as simply a woman wanting to be heard. Yes there is plenty more I'd like to tell you about me. For now, I am every woman."
This tragedy has undoubtedly opened society's eyes to how truly scarring rape is to victims of it, the disgusting act that is "victim blaming," and the fact that, in the eyes of the law, someone is easily able to get away with a loose prison sentence because he is privileged and athletic. But, personally, the most remarkable issue that has sprung out of the Stanford rape case is the fact that millions of people around the world are standing by a woman that is largely unknown by all of those following the case. To the public, this woman is merely a figure. She is an outline to women who are not capable of telling the truth about their own sexual abuse for fear of being chastised for it. This woman had the grace to take her own traumatic experience and use it to become the voice for those who cannot seek their own.
The beauty goes beyond representing other rape victims. This woman, in exercising her anonymity, could easily speak on how bogus Brock Turner's light sentencing was, or the fact that not one, but both of his parents have had the audacity to try to defend his nauseating actions to the media. Instead, she is using her powerful voice to stand for and look out for every other woman who has gone through the similar type of hell that she has. For once, the lid that is kept on rape victims' voice has been slightly loosened. Though victim blaming and denying the occurrence of a rape at all is still a deeply-rooted societal issue, it is one that can be stopped in its tracks. The Stanford rape case, and the victim that has lived to help others, has made this more possible than ever before. The Stanford rape victim's statements and consistent bravery has given women, globally, more hope and bravery for themselves. Rapists such as Brock Turner can no longer be praised for their abilities, or their privilege, or their "bright future". The minute this act is committed, you are no Olympic athlete; but merely a sexual predator who happens to know how to swim.
