Statistics show that one in five women will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime. The same statistic holds true on college campuses. That means that if you’re sitting in a class of 25 students, five students in that classroom will be sexually assaulted before graduation. At orientation, we were all taught the dangers of alcohol and told to always walk in groups at night. As women, we’re told our whole lives “Never take your eyes off your drink at a party,” and, “Always have your phone with you in case you need to call for help." However, I’m not here to tell you how women are taught “not to get raped," as if the situation is completely under our control. I’m here to discuss Brock Turner and his father.
In case you’re unaware at this point, Brock Turner is a rapist. He was found on top of an unresponsive woman that was in the fetal position behind a dumpster. Turner also went for the victim when she was “alone and inebriated." Taking her to this poorly lit, isolated area while in an incohesive state. This doesn’t even seem like typical sexual assault behavior, it seems more like a predator strategically stalking out the most vulnerable prey.
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However, let’s not forget Turner’s father’s part in all of this. Turner’s father stated that his son’s life would be destroyed “for 20 minutes of action." That’s what you want to define sexual assault as 20 minutes of action?
The judge had decided that “A prison sentence would have a severe impact on him. I think he will not be a danger to others.” That statement should truly be concerning to the general public. The court truly privileged Brock Turner. Losing his swimming scholarship and having to give up on his dream of going to the Olympics seems like punishment enough when his victim has to wake up every day knowing she was sexually assaulted and the perpetrator doesn’t even have to serve a fair sentence because of his privilege.
There was absolutely no consent given from the victim. The victim doesn’t even remember the incident, which proves the victim never could have agreed to any of the perpetrator’s actions, which is why Brock Turner’s actions are absolutely classified as rape.
If you haven’t read her letter yet, take a second and please read it. It truly shows how strong and brave she is after everything that happened to her. She’s not defined by this incident and is not to be blamed for any of this. Brock Turner is to blame.
It’s time to stop teaching girls how to not get raped and to instead teach men not to rape. It’s time to stop telling girl’s to change because “that shirt is too short and guys might get the wrong impression” and instead, to teach boys to have self-control and respect for women. Drunk or not, there’s never an excuse for rape. Brock Turner made the conscious decision to rape an unconscious girl and only got six months in prison.
It’s time we start educating our future generations on not raping people rather than how to prevent rape.
