Dear Judge (and the rest of society),

When I came across an article on how the another college athlete was given the easy way out of a horrifying rape crime committed for the fear of "being unnecessarily harsh," I honestly had to sigh.

You thought I would be angry, didn't you? Unfortunately, you're not the first person to show compassion to a rapist for his actions. Just take the case in Texas in May 2016. At this point, it's discouraging, disappointing, and upsetting to watch so many people go blind and numb to the pain that rape and sexual assault cost the victim.

As you sit in your chair feeling proud for a man whose future isn't completely ruined now by a single mistake, there is a woman who has lost all hope for her own future.

But that's okay, isn't it? I'm sure you, along with others who are relieved for the boy, know exactly what that man has done in his past and are completely confident that he's never made that mistake before and won't do it again. You say he has a clean record -- so why would he?

Six months (at the most) in a county jail ought to teach him a lesson.Right?

But what lesson did it teach the girl? Did it teach her that she should be more careful and responsible? Do you think she'll leave feeling comfortable around people and think twice the next time she drinks so much or makes herself that available?

Do you think she will be happy that she took the case to court?

No. All you've done is teach an immature, entitled man that his actions are okay. You've taught others that committing a crime like sexual assault and rape is easy to get away with. You've made it more appealing.

You've taught victims and potential victims that reporting a rape or sexual assault crime is pointless. You've shown them that it would be a waste of their time to stand up for themselves and made them feel alone. You've taken away their hope.

For everyone who sees the articles on this rape case and those that go similarly, you have reminded women and men subjected to sexual assault and rape that the blame will always fall back on them. That they are on their own.

Instead of showing compassion to a guilty man, you should have shown compassion and empathy to an exhausted woman.

While I can only pray that those six months, at most, are enough to teach that man a lesson, I pray that you will become more open-minded to the long-term effects that rape takes on BOTHparties.

Think of the lifetime that the victim will have to live with this weight on her shoulders. Think of the years that they will endure counseling to only take the edge off the pain. Think of her wedding night when she is afraid to feel vulnerable. Think of the times she will look in the mirror only to feel ashamed and embarrassed. Think of all the moments that she won't be able to purely enjoy, because in the back of her head she will always be afraid.

Even though I am usually the first to remind people that everyone makes mistakes, I can't help but cry out for how that one mistake will weigh and affect the victim throughout her life.

When will one's voice be loud enough? When will a cry for help and justice be heard? When will all those who don't feel strong enough to fight for themselves be given the power they need?

Enough is enough. It's time to start letting victims of sexual assault and rape know that they are enough.

Sincerely,

A concerned citizen