*Warning, this article contains subject matter such as rape and sexual assault. Proceed with caution*

One of the high profile cases to occur this year was that of Brock Turner, a former Stanford University student and swimmer who was standing trial for having sexually assaulted an unconscious woman in January of 2015. Turner, who resembles a sneering villain from an 80's movie received only a six-month prison sentence, despite being found guilty on three felonies: assault with intent to rape an intoxicated person, sexually penetrating an intoxicated person with a foreign object, and sexually penetrating an unconscious person with a foreign object. Six months. The judge presiding over the case, Aaron Persky did not want to give Turner the recommended six year sentence because he felt that it would have a "severe impact" on Turner's life. Turner entered prison in June of 2016, and was released a mere three months early, on September 2nd, 2016. Yes, early.

Uh, what?

Rape culture, as defined by Women Against Violence Against Women is "a complex set of beliefs that encourage male sexual aggression and supports violence against women". Now, is it imperative to add that while women experience sexual violence at high rates (RAINN), they are not the only people that are victims. Men, trans* people, along with people of other sexual orientations and races are unfortunately, also victims. A situation like Turner's, where he basically received a slap on the wrist for raping someone, is a prime example of rape culture in our society.

You know what? Congratulations to you Brock Turner, and even you, Aaron Persky. The two of you are really helping to keep up the disgusting rape culture that for some reason, in 2016 still has a large and ugly presence. Both of you are working so hard to further demean sexual assault and rape victims victims, and make it even harder for them to report and indict their attackers. Hopefully, you are both proud of yourselves; you are really making our society into a garbage dump, rather than improving it. Seriously, great job, fellas.

The only small, minuscule relief (which does not feel like the right word) is that for the rest of his life, Brock Turner will be a registered sex offender. Still, it feels as if he was let off way too easily. Turner's victim, will have to live with the horror of that night, and the ensuing days for the rest of her life. Because of people like Brock Turner and Aaron Persky, rape victims will still be asked "what were you wearing?", "what did you have to drink?", and constantly feel culpable for the malicious actions of others. So no, Brock Turner did not deserve an easy sentence because his life could have been potentially ruined. He already ruined someone's life, who's to say that he deserves an easy and fulfilling one?

Something must be done. Until then, millions of frustrated people will be boiling, ready to spill over.