I don't know what you look like, I don't know your name and I certainly can't imagine the pain and suffering you are dealing with right now. But one thing I know for sure, is that you are extremely brave, strong and courageous young woman.

I offer my deepest condolences to you, as you have faced a tragedy that no woman should ever have to suffer. I wish I could meet you personally so that way I could hug you and pray with you, but since I can't do that, let me just say this: I am so sorry this had to happen to you. I am sorry that your attacker is playing the victim, and putting the blame on his consumption of alcohol, rather than taking responsibility for his mistake. I am sorry that the justice system failed to provide the adequate amount of punishment that he deserves. But most of all, I am sorry that you will have to live with this trauma for the rest of your life.

No amount of jail time or punishment can take away the pain and suffering that you have felt for a year and a half, nor will it make the coming years any easier. I pray that you find comfort and peace as you continue to live your life, and that you will use your story as a testimony to the world that rape and sexual assault is not a crime worth only six months. It's a crime that kills the victim's identity, joy, pride and security, therefore, it's a crime that deserves as high of a punishment as murder would.

Your story is far from over. The best years of your life are ahead of you--you are going to get married, buy a house and start a beautiful family. I pray that you won't allow the horrible decision of your attacker to prevent you from enjoying life's precious moments. Continue to be strong and keep pushing forward. You have an army of people standing ready to fight for you. We all love you and believe in you.

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Matthew 5:4