The Stanford Rape Case

Deep breath... This was hard for me to read, and I had been avoiding it because I knew it would be. I don't like being affected by things that I don't feel I have the power to change. But her statement is powerful, and by sharing it, I share in her power.

http://www.techly.com.au/2016/06/07/the-stanford-rape-victim-delivered-the-most-powerful-court-statement-youll-ever-see/

There are multiple levels of injustice here: the assault and utter lack of consent, the lack of responsibility the defendant and his family are showing, the handling of the case by the defendant's attorney, the probation officer's recommendation for a laughable sentence given the nature of the crime, and the judge's ruling (the latter two of which are unquestionably hinged on whiteness, privilege, and money). All of these factors serve to further rape culture.

These are the excerpts that stood out to me.

"The probation officer’s recommendation of a year or less in county jail is a mockery of the seriousness of his assaults, an insult to me and all women. It gives the message that a stranger can be inside you without proper consent and he will receive less than what has been defined as the minimum sentence... What I truly wanted was for Brock to get it, to understand and admit to his wrongdoing."

"Someone who cannot take full accountability for his actions does not deserve a mitigating sentence. It is deeply offensive that he would try and dilute rape with a suggestion of “promiscuity”. By definition rape is not the absence of promiscuity, rape is the absence of consent, and it perturbs me deeply that he can’t even see that distinction."

"We should not create a culture that suggests we learn that rape is wrong through trial and error. The consequences of sexual assault needs to be severe enough that people feel enough fear to exercise good judgment even if they are drunk, severe enough to be preventative."

So, what can you do?

1. Teach your sons and daughters about consent. What does it mean to give permission and get permission to touch another person's body.

2. There are efforts to recall Judge Aaron Persky, which you can support: http://www.recallaaronpersky.com/about
As well as petitions you can sign: https://www.change.org/p/california-state-house-recall-judge-aaron-persky

3. Talk to your friends, children, friend's children, children's friends about responsibility for one's own actions. In the victim's own words, this is what it boils down to her for her- that he is unable to take responsibility. Race, gender, and SES should not determine justice, should not determine right and wrong.

4. Let your sons, daughters, friends, and partners know it is okay to share if they have been assaulted. That you will support them 100% and that they are loved and accepted no matter what. Help them to stand up and speak up if they are unable.

5. You can volunteer and support individuals who have been victims of sexual assault. Local to Dallas, there is the Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center, where you can support victims through advocacy efforts, or even financially.

Love and power to this woman. We are with you.