Dear Brock Turner,

You sat in a courtroom as your victim-- yes, she is your victim-- read out loud the physical, emotional and mental anguish your actions have brought upon her. You sat there, listening to her grueling words as she read through her emotional letter, begging for the judge in your case to punish you for what you've done to her. You sat there, after changing your story to better protect yourself by claiming she said 'yes' to everything, comfortable with yourself and the fantasy tale you wrote, all the while the woman you assaulted was re-victimized with questions about that night. She was unable to grieve or heal, as the entire process brought her nothing but new wounds and an even more broken sense of respect for the justice system. You sat there, after you were convicted of the assault, as the judge sentenced you to six months in jail with probation, claiming that prison would have 'a severe impact' on you, and due to your nonexistent criminal record, this seemed like a fair punishment in his eyes. Your own father tried to defend your actions, stating that '20 minutes of action' does not call for severe punishment.

You, Brock Turner, in addition to being banned from Stanford University, have just been banned by USA Swimming for breaking their Code of Conduct, which has a zero tolerance policy for sexual misconduct. You will never be eligible for membership, nor will you ever take part in any USA Swimming events, which includes the Olympic Trials. While the media focused in on your athletic ability by posting your swimming times and talking about your swimming career at Stanford in almost every article covering this issue, I'm sure you sat back thinking 'I've had enough, this is all too much.' Too much media coverage, too much personal criticism, too many punishments, just too much to handle.

Brock Turner, have you really had enough? Has this all been too hard for you? Is six months in jail,a ban from USA Swimming, a ban from Stanford University, and backlash from a nation grieving alongside a victim that was let down by our justice system enough for you? I'm sure I share the opinion of many others when I say: I don't think it is. Truthfully, I don't think you fully comprehend the lasting effects your actions will have on so many people.

To start, let's talk about your victim and her family. She was endlessly questioned about a night she was unable to remember, forced to recall details of an assault she was unconscious for. Rather than being sympathetic, your lawyers were ruthless and aggressive, causing more and more harm to this woman with each question they asked. In her letter to you, she stated that, after what you did to her, she didn't want to be in her own body anymore. However, her resilience and determination to fight for justice kept her going, but I'm sure your sentencing tore her down for a moment. The physical injuries you left her with may one day disappear, but the emotional scars will be everlasting, and that is not something a simple 'I'm sorry' willeverbe able to take away. Her family will always question whether she is all right, even when she says she is. Different triggers will cause the pain of the ordeal to flash back through their minds, just as they seemed to be doing better. 'What if' questions will be constant in their minds as the flashbacks continue. You have not only permanently scarred an individual, you have scarred an entire family.

Your victim stood up and spoke with incredible strength, only to be failed by the court system with regards to your sentencing. Not only have your actions affected her, they have affected the minds of so many other women and girls who have been in similar situations. Seeing a lenient punishment handed down that in no way fits the severity of the crime you committed will have many women thinking: 'Will the same thing happen to me?' No woman or girl should ever have to question whether or not they will be supported by the justice system, and your case is just another miserable example of why so few rape and sexual assault cases are reported. You are a white male athlete that grew up very privileged, and your lifestyle, athletic ability, and a letter from 'Daddy' should not excuse you from receiving the punishment you deserve. You have scarred an individual, you have scarred a family, and you have most definitely scarred a nation.

Brock Turner, I have no doubt you have lost many friends and acquaintances throughout this process. You have lost job opportunities, accolades, the respect of your peers, and the many things you have been blessed with in your life-athletics, attending a prestigious institution, a bright future-- are all slowly slipping from your hands. We should feel a little bit bad for you, right? Wrong.

I will never find it in my heart to feel one ounce of sympathy for you, as I fully sympathize with the pain and agony your victim struggled with, and will continue to struggle with on a daily basis, as a result of your '20 minutes of action'. Unlike you, however, she is no coward. She has become the face of many survivors, giving strength to those who need it most and encouraging women everywhere to speak up in the silence. This resilient woman has bravely put herself at the forefront of a battle so many have faced for years now, and because of your actions, we are going to do something about it. Her voice will be heard, and your actions have awoken a nation to a gross issue within our justice system with regards to sexual assault.

So, Brock Turner, have you had enough? As a country, we don't believe so, and we are just getting started.

-A Survivor Among Many