Sexual Assault Sentencing Sparks Social Media Outrage

by Melony Roy

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A victim's impact statement posted on social media from a case in California has drawn strong reaction worldwide.

Stanford student athlete Brock Turner was sentenced to six months in jail for sexually assaulting an unconscious woman last year. He had faced up to 10 years in prison, but given six months. With good behavior, he could be out in three months.

The 12-page victim impact statement which was read in court Thursday has gone viral on social media.

"We should acknowledge the strength in her statement, we should applaud her for being able to be vocal in a way that moves her from victim to survivor and back to her authentic self," said Monique Howard, Executive Director of Woman Organized Against Rape (WOAR).

Over 30,000 signatures have been collected on a Change.org petition to have the judge in the case recalled.

"There is still a belief that people ask for it, and so maybe this women asked for it because she had however many drinks, or had on a particular outfit. No one asks to be raped."

Brock Turner's father added fuel to the controversy when a letter of support for his son was posted to Twitter. He said his son only got "20 minutes of action," and shouldn't have to go to prison.

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• Sexual Assault
• Twitter