Chanel Miller, previously known as Emily Doe, made headlines in 2015 when she was sexually assaulted by Brock Turner, a former Stanford University student. The case gained national attention for the light sentence Turner received and for the powerful victim impact statement Miller read in court. In the years since the assault, many have wondered if Miller received any kind of settlement for her trauma.
Background:
On January 18, 2015, Miller was sexually assaulted by Turner while she was unconscious behind a dumpster on Stanford’s campus. Two graduate students who happened to be biking by saw the assault taking place and intervened. Turner was later convicted on three counts of felony sexual assault but only sentenced to six months in county jail and three years probation.
The Victim Impact Statement:
At Turner’s sentencing hearing in June 2016, Miller read a powerful victim impact statement that went viral and was widely praised for its honesty and vulnerability. In it, she detailed the physical and emotional toll the assault had taken on her life and criticized the criminal justice system for failing survivors of sexual assault.
The Aftermath:
Following the trial, it was unclear whether Miller received any kind of settlement from Stanford University or from Turner himself. In September 2019, it was reported that Miller had reached a confidential settlement with Stanford University for an undisclosed amount.
Why Settlements Matter:
Settlements can provide victims with some measure of justice and financial compensation for their trauma. They can also hold institutions accountable for their negligence or complicity in cases of sexual assault. However, settlements are not always the best option for survivors as they often come with non-disclosure agreements that prevent victims from speaking publicly about their experiences.
- Pros of Settlements:
- Provide financial compensation
- Hold institutions accountable
- Cons of Settlements:
- Non-disclosure agreements can silence survivors
- Do not always guarantee justice or accountability
The Importance of Speaking Out:
While settlements can provide some measure of justice for survivors, it’s important to remember that speaking out and sharing one’s story can also be a powerful tool for change. Miller’s victim impact statement helped to spark a national conversation about sexual assault and the criminal justice system. Her bravery in sharing her story has inspired countless others to do the same and has led to important policy changes around issues of sexual assault on college campuses.
In Conclusion:
Chanel Miller reached a confidential settlement with Stanford University in September 2019, but the exact amount remains undisclosed. While settlements can be a form of justice for survivors, it’s also important to remember the power of speaking out and sharing one’s story. Miller’s victim impact statement has had a lasting impact on the national conversation around sexual assault and is a testament to the power of survivors’ voices.