Stanford sex assault survivor's Glamour essay sheds new light on Brock Turner case

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ByChris Nguyen KGO logo
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
Brock Turner survivor named one of Glamour's women of the year
Glamour Magazine has chosen the young woman at the center of the Brock Turner sexual assault case as one of its women of the year.

STANFORD, Calif. -- Glamour Magazine has chosen the young woman at the center of the Brock Turner sexual assault case as one of its women of the year.

RELATED: Stanford sex assault survivor named a Glamour woman of the year

Months ago, it was her words that captivated much of the country. That victim impact statement was shared by millions on social media. Now, she's back with a new essay telling the world that more must be done to prevent sexual assault.

It was the case that gained international attention, former Stanford swimmer Brock Turner served just three months in the Santa Clara County Jail for sexually assaulting a young woman from Palo Alto after a night of drinking.

Tuesday, Glamour Magazine shared how Emily Doe felt immediately following the sentence handed down by Judge Aaron Persky.

She wrote:

When it was quickly announced that he'd be receiving six months, I was struck silent. Immediately I felt embarrassed for trying, for being led to believe I had any influence... If this case was meant to set the bar, the bar had been set on the floor.

This came after she addressed Turner in court with a powerful victim impact statement, which has since been read by millions.

Students at Stanford remember it well.

RELATED: Victim writes letter in ex-Stanford swimmer sexual assault case

"I was very emotionally upset, and I think I called my mom and was like, 'Mom you need to read this.'"

"I really hope that people don't forget how reading these narratives, including Emily Doe's, made them feel," added another Stanford Student, Luke Miller.

The past few months haven't been easy for Emily, but a family friend tells ABC7 News that she's staying strong since opening up about her ordeal.

She's been contacted by people all over the world, encouraging her to always stay true to who she is. For now Emily is staying anonymous, but her work to fight for justice and sexual assault awareness is far from over.

"Victims are not victims, not some fragile, sorrowful aftermath," wrote Doe. "Victims are survivors, and survivors are going to be doing a hell of a lot more than surviving."

The December issue of Glamour will hit newsstands next week.

Click here to read the full essay.

Click here for more stories about the Brock Turner case.