I originally considered writing this as a letter to the scum that is Brock Turner, but there are no words strong enough to convey my hatred towards him. It is important for us to realize that there are major flaws in our justice system and that he should pay a much bigger price for the crime he committed. But it is also crucial to show our support towards the victim, even though she has remained anonymous.

To the Anonymous Woman,

I don't know your name, what you look like, or barely anything about you besides your age and your story, but I am here for you. I look up to you for your bravery and strength while dealing with this terrible situation. You are so much more than "The Stanford Victim" that has been all over the media. Some people seem to forget that you are a person, just like everyone else, and your life goes on beyond the news stories that are shared online.

Since Brock Turner will most likely never apologize for what he's done, I will do it for him. I'm sorry that he had absolutely no respect for your worth. I'm sorry that he fought you every step of the way without showing the slightest bit of remorse. What he did is unspeakable, and unfortunately irreversible, but we will not let him get away with the pain he has caused you.

Your testimony sent shock waves, and I believe it has and will continue to move people to make a change in the way sexual assault cases are handled. The public is outraged with his attitude, light sentence, and early release, as they should be! I don't know if you will ever read this, but I want you to know that we are all standing by your side.

I've read your statement many times, and it never fails to move me to tears. The last paragraph will always stay with me and give me hope:

"And finally, to girls everywhere, I am with you. On nights when you feel alone, I am with you. When people doubt you or dismiss you, I am with you. I fought every day for you. So never stop fighting, I believe you. As the author Anne Lamott once wrote, “Lighthouses don’t go running all over an island looking for boats to save; they just stand there shining.” Although I can’t save every boat, I hope that by speaking today, you absorbed a small amount of light, a small knowing that you can’t be silenced, a small satisfaction that justice was served, a small assurance that we are getting somewhere, and a big, big knowing that you are important, unquestionably, you are untouchable, you are beautiful, you are to be valued, respected, undeniably, every minute of every day, you are powerful and nobody can take that away from you. To girls everywhere, I am with you. Thank you."

(Link to the full letter.)

The impact you have made on me and so many others will never fade, and I thank you for that. We are with you too. And to anyone else who has lived through sexual assault, rape, or abuse; you are strong, you are loved, and you will always have someone fighting for you.

Sincerely,

Kristen