US VP applauds Stanford victim’s bravery in a BEAUTIFUL open letter
Joe Biden has commended the bravery of the Stanford assault survivor in a heartfelt open letter.
The US Vice President – who is actively involved in the White House’s campaign against campus sexual assault – applauded the nameless woman’s bravery for using her story to highlight the difficulties experienced by sexual assault victims.
The letter – which was sent to Buzzfeed News on Thursday – not only thanked the woman who confronted her attacker in court with a powerful letter, but also praised the men who interrupted the attack for having the courage to intervene in a culture which so often chooses to ignore sexual violence.
The anonymous woman's attacker has been sentenced to 6 months out of a possible 14 years in prison for three counts of sexual assault in a case which has shocked the world.
He wrote: “I do not know your name — but your words are forever seared on my soul. Words that should be required reading for men and women of all ages. Words that I wish with all of my heart you never had to write.”
“And I am filled with furious anger — both that this happened to you and that our culture is still so broken that you were ever put in the position of defending your own worth.”
“It must have been wrenching — to relive what he did to you all over again. But you did it anyway, in the hope that your strength might prevent this crime from happening to someone else. Your bravery is breathtaking.”
“You were failed by anyone who dared to question this one clear and simple truth: Sex without consent is rape. Period. It is a crime.”
“I do not know your name — but I see your unconquerable spirit. I see the limitless potential of an incredibly talented young woman — full of possibility. I see the shoulders on which our dreams for the future rest. I see you.”
“You will never be defined by what the defendant’s father callously termed ‘20 minutes of action’. His son will be.”
“What you endured is never, never, never, NEVER a woman’s fault.”
“Your words will help people you have never met and never will. You have given them the strength they need to fight. And so, I believe, you will save lives."
"I do not know your name — but I will never forget you.”
