As I scroll through my Facebook news feed lately, all I see is Brock Tuner's smug smiling face and every time I find myself getting even more angry. I was happy to see your actual mugshot was released because then the world got to see you as who you really are. Your father begged for leniency and your high school friend blamed it on political correctness.
Where were they when you took her behind the dumpster that night?
Did they watch as you took off her clothes without permission and then tried to run when two men saw what you were doing?
Did they see her wake up in a hospital bed with pine needles in her hair?
Did they watch as a nurse preformed a rape kit?
No Brock, they weren't there. You were. You thought no one was watching and in that moment you took away her right to choose. As your father stated it was "20 minutes of action." Last time I checked, action is not a synonym for rape.
Recently, your statement has been released and it scares me more than anything. You are so out of touch with reality. You painted yourself as a helpless victim. Rapists are the furthest thing from victims. You stated that you wished you had never had a drop of alcohol that night. Is that really all you could come up with? I've been drunk before and guess what? I never considered what you did. Also, I've been in situations with my friends where I probably drank a little too much and guess what? They never considered doing what you did. Do us all a favor and stop blaming the alcohol for your sick and twisted actions. Your letter makes me seriously wonder if this is not the first time you've raped someone, but the first time you got caught.
I don't care that you're a good swimmer. I could care less that you went to Stanford. What I really care about is justice. 6 months, probably 3 months for good behavior, is not enough time for you to understand your actions.
Judge Aaron Persky, you stated that any longer would have a severe impact on Brock Tuner. Did you listen to her as she read her letter, Mr. Persky? In this case, it's clear who's severely impacted, and it's not rapist Brock Turner. Mr. Persky, do you believe in justice? Or do you believe in white privilege? If rapist Brock Turner wasn't a Stanford student like you once were would you have given him proper punishment? These are questions I shouldn't even have to ask. You make me sick, Judge Aaron Persky.
With everything that happened there is one person that gives me hope, and that is the survivor. I don't know your name and I don't ever need to know. Not many women have the strength to face their rapist. Not only did you face him, but you read the most honest statement you possibly could. If you haven't read it yet, please take time to read it here.
Your words will make a change. For the sake of future generations, we all need to see rape for what it is: A horrible, unforgivable, crime. Let us all reflect on our judicial system failing. I refuse to let this become another story.
If you or a loved one has been affected by sexual assault, I encourage you to call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.4673. You can also chat online with the online hotline at https://hotline.rainn.org/online/terms-of-service.jsp
