Former Stanford Swimmer Receives Lenient Sentence After Sexual Assault Conviction | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Former Stanford Swimmer Receives Lenient Sentence After Sexual Assault Conviction

Yet another student athlete rapes someone and is viewed as a helpless victim of circumstance.

1
Former Stanford Swimmer Receives Lenient Sentence After Sexual Assault Conviction
Shelby Shepard

Former Stanford Swimmer Brock Allen Turner was convicted of three felony counts of sexual assault after attacking an unconscious woman outside of a party hosted at a fraternity in January of 2015. He was mid-assault when two Swedish graduate students came across the scene, which was unfolding behind a dumpster; he attempted to flee, but the students were able to pin him down until police arrived.

The victim, identified only as Emily Doe, delivered an emotional statement during the trial, which has been released to the public. In her statement, the victim describes Turner's blatant refusal to acknowledge that what occurred was rape and not simply a side effect of heavy drinking. Essentially, Turner's defense relied on the fact that copious amounts of alcohol were involved, and the victim made it clear that his being intoxicated was not the issue; the issue, she explained to a packed courtroom, was that he then sexually assaulted an unconscious woman.

In her statement, the victim decried his defense strategy and his attempts to make the events seem like the aftermath of drunken confusion.

"Even in this story, there’s barely any dialogue; I only said a total of three words before he had me half naked on the ground. I have never been penetrated after three words. He didn’t claim to hear me speak one full sentence that night, so in the news when it says we 'met', I’m not sure I would go so far as to say that. Future reference, if you are confused about whether a girl can consent, see if she can speak an entire sentence. You couldn’t even do that. Just one coherent string of words. If she can’t do that, then no. Don’t touch her, just no. Not maybe, just no. Where was the confusion? This is common sense, human decency. " - Victim's Statement

However, despite the heavy victim's statement and her obvious suffering, Judge Aaron Persky viewed Turner not as the attacker, but as additional victim.

According to Fox News, after giving Turner a shockingly lenient sentence (six months in jail and three years of probation), Judge Persky defended his decision with the following comment, "A prison sentence would have a severe impact on him... I think he will not be a danger to others."

Judge Persky effectively decided that the victim's future, now forever scarred by the emotional trauma of the assault, was not worth this ex-athlete's future endeavors. Evidently, he thinks that a number of years locked behind bars considering the impact of sexually assaulting someone is not healthy for Turner. The idea that he "will not be a danger to others" is equally ludicrous; he already is a danger to others, and he proved that one violent January evening.

This sentencing speaks to a much larger issue: sexual assault on campus is rarely taken seriously. This judge has perpetuated this horrific problem by attempting to protect Turner from serious jail time and disregarding the weight of the victim's statement.

This woman was raped, while unconscious, behind a dumpster. Turner was inebriated, but he wasn't unconscious. He made the decision, drunk or not, to force himself on a woman who could offer no consent or self defense. He did not choose to help her up and take care of her. He did not decide to call for assistance in case she was hurt or had alcohol poisoning. Instead, he peeled off her clothing and violated her to the core of her being. He felt so entitled to her limp body that he took every advantage of her that he could before being interrupted. Then, in court, he tried to make the entire affair seem like one simple misunderstanding. The judge bought it and gave him a slap on the wrist.

That slap on the wrist sends a clear message to men and women alike in universities across the country. Men have access to young women and parties, and they are entering these situations with the understanding that if they violate someone else's body sexually, there is a huge chance that they'll get off easily. Women step onto campus with the knowledge that if a man takes advantage and rapes them and they choose to press charges, they face months of humiliation and defamation. Even if they survive the ensuing circus act that our criminal justice system calls a "trial," it's more likely than not that their attackers will walk away with a gentle chiding.

Essentially, our country views rape as some sort of weird, confusing accident that happens sometimes. Our country sees both the rapist and victim as victims of the situation. Well, actually, our country sees the rapist as a victim and the true victim as a nuisance. Until there is a major attitude adjustment regarding rape in our criminal justice system, women will be victims of entitled, fearless rapists who move about campus with the understanding that the judge will be on their sides.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

2583
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

17094
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3670
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments