“Emily Doe” has come back into the spotlight to, once again, speak out about her experience with sexual assault at the hands of Brock Turner. “Doe,” who chooses to use a pseudonym to keep her identity private, spoke out at her rapist’s sentencing earlier this year. Doe has come back to the spotlight and has been recognized for her impactful words.

Doe wrote a letter in Glamour magazine on Nov. 1 in response to her being named “Woman of the Year.” It is absolutely necessary and important for us to read this. Although the assault began to make headlines last year, it is still just as relevant and important to learn about Doe’s story.

Doe was sexually assaulted by Turner on Jan. 17, 2015. She was raped while unconscious behind a dumpster. Two graduate students found Turner assaulting Doe and kept him until police arrived.

I remember when I first heard about the story. I immediately felt sickened and sympathetic for the victim. The news sources I followed placed emphasis on Turner’s status as a Stanford student and member of their swimming team. I know a few people who have been sexually assaulted and all I could think about is what this girl was going through. Why wasn’t there more emphasis on her? Why does it matter that he had dreams of being an Olympian when he allegedly sent photos of Doe’s breasts to his friends?

I was in awe when Doe’s statement at the sentencing was released in June of this year. Her words clearly described the terrible experience that she went through. The amount of strength she had to speak out against her rapist is remarkable; I hope, as much as she does, that this inspires others to speak out, too.

Judge Aaron Persky gave Turner a lenient sentence of six months in jail. As if this wasn’t small enough, Turner was released after serving only three months. It got even worse – Turner’s father wrote a letter defending his son, saying that he shouldn’t be jailed for his “20 minutes of action.”

One of the things that gets me infuriated is what Persky said about the sentencing. According to Persky, a longer sentence would “have a severe impact” on Turner. It’s as if the severe impact Turner’s actions had on Doe didn’t matter. Is Persky implying that rapists shouldn’t be punished if they have a “promising” future? Should a judge give a rapist a small sentence because the rapist’s Mommy and Daddy doesn’t think he can handle it?

Turner should have been given a longer sentence. It’s not like there was a lack of evidence – Doe explains this in her letter, stating forensic evidence and “sober unbiased” witness accounts were provided. Although he isn’t in jail, Turner will have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. This is some closure to Doe, but it’s not enough in my opinion.

Doe has become the voice for women and men who are afraid to speak out. With her powerful statements, she has brought light on the injustice on Turner’s sentence. My hope is that her words can help victims everywhere find the healing they need.

I’m not writing this just as a woman or a college student. I’m writing today because I firmly believe that no one should have to go through this. I’m writing because those who commit these crimes need to face harsher sentences. I’m writing because Brock Turner should be in jail, not cozy in his home.

Doe’s letter can be found on Glamour’s website. I encourage you to read it and go to www.recallaaronpersky.com to aid the fight to stop Judge Persky from serving as a judge.

To contact the Ionian’s Anna Maffucci email her at [email protected].