In 2015, a young woman was sexually assaulted behind a dumpster on the Stanford University campus. Her attacker was Brock Turner, a student-athlete at the university. The victim’s identity remained anonymous throughout the trial and was referred to as “Emily Doe” in court documents and media coverage.
Many people wondered why the victim chose to be known as Emily Doe instead of using her real name. There are several reasons why she may have made this decision.
Firstly, sexual assault is an incredibly traumatic experience, and victims may feel ashamed or embarrassed about what happened to them. By remaining anonymous, Emily Doe could protect her privacy and avoid unwanted attention from the media and public.
Additionally, victims of sexual assault are often blamed for their own attacks. They may be asked what they were wearing or whether they were drinking alcohol, as if these factors justify or excuse the perpetrator’s behavior. By using a pseudonym, Emily Doe could distance herself from this victim-blaming rhetoric and focus on holding her attacker accountable for his actions.
Another reason why Emily Doe may have chosen to remain anonymous is that she wanted to protect her family and friends from harassment or negative attention. In high-profile cases like this one, victims’ loved ones can become Targets of online abuse or even receive threats in person. By keeping her identity private, Emily Doe could shield those closest to her from these potential dangers.
Despite all these reasons for remaining anonymous, some critics argued that Emily Doe’s decision perpetuated a culture of shame around sexual assault survivors. They argued that by hiding her identity, she was sending a message that victims should be ashamed of what happened to them and that society should treat them as outcasts.
However, it’s important to remember that each survivor’s experience is unique, and there is no one “right” way to respond to sexual assault. Some survivors choose to go public with their stories and advocate for change; others prefer to keep their experiences private. Both choices are valid, and it’s up to each individual survivor to decide what feels right for them.
In the end, Brock Turner was found guilty of assault with intent to commit rape, penetration of an intoxicated person, and penetration of an unconscious person. He was sentenced to six months in jail (later reduced to three months) and three years’ probation. The case sparked a national conversation about sexual assault on college campuses and the justice system’s treatment of survivors.
Emily Doe’s decision to remain anonymous may have been controversial, but it ultimately allowed her to focus on her own healing and seek justice for what happened to her. It’s important that we respect survivors’ choices and work towards creating a society where sexual assault is not normalized or excused.