By now everyone should know about the Brock Turner story. About how he raped that girl, but his father tried to get the judges to go easy on him because it was "20 minutes of action", not even thinking about the girl's life that he just ruined. Today, that girl is putting a name to the story.
Chanel Miller came out years later as the woman that Turner assaulted. She was before known as "Emily Doe". Now she has reclaimed her identity and is sharing her story. She is now releasing a book, which I have no doubt will end up being a best seller. But I also know why she decided to wait to so long to reveal herself.
She probably wanted to forget what happened, which can be expected when you went through something that horrible. I'll bet its really hard when it's all you seem to see on the news anymore. We hear all about the rapists but hardly about the victims. One paper actually posted Turner's swimming stats in an attempt to humanize him. It is almost similar to the current season of 13 Reasons Why, trying to humanize Bryce Walker, despite knowing what he did.
We talk so much about them but we rarely hear about the victims, why do journalists put them on blast? Yes, it is important to be informed about what is going on, but it could also really trigger survivors. Just hearing their name can do that. That's why it's so important to be mindful when it comes to talking about this story.
Chanel Miller is brave and strong and I want to know more about her story. She is no longer the "girl raped by this guy". She is no longer "Emily Doe." Chanel Miller finally took back her name and her identity after what I am guessing is a long time of recovery and now it is her turn to talk. Now we should all listen.
If you or someone else is going through something similar here are some resources that you can turn to:
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
ICASA (Illinois specific)
Chicago YWCA (Illinois Specific)
