In 2015, Brock Turner, a Stanford University student, was convicted of sexually assaulting an unconscious woman behind a dumpster. The case drew national attention and sparked outrage due to the lenient sentence Turner received: six months in county jail and three years of probation.
During the trial, Turner's parents, Dan and Carryl Turner, made several public statements that further inflamed the public's anger. They expressed sympathy for their son and criticized the victim, arguing that she was partially responsible for the assault because she had been drinking. Their comments were widely condemned as victim-blaming and insensitive.
The Turner parents' behavior during the trial and in the aftermath has led to much discussion about the role of privilege and entitlement in the criminal justice system. Some have argued that the Turners' wealth and social status allowed them to downplay the seriousness of their son's crime and to minimize the harm he had caused.
brock turner parents
Wealthy, privileged, and entitled.
- Victim-blaming.
- Insensitive comments.
- Downplayed son's crime.
- Minimized victim's harm.
- Lack of accountability.
- Perpetuation of rape culture.
- Symbol of injustice.
- Catalyst for change.
- Reminder of privilege's role in justice.
The Brock Turner parents' behavior has sparked a national conversation about sexual assault, victim-blaming, and the role of privilege in the criminal justice system.
Victim-blaming.
Victim-blaming is a common and harmful response to sexual assault. It involves placing the blame for the assault on the victim, rather than on the perpetrator. This can take many forms, such as suggesting that the victim was "asking for it" by dressing provocatively, or that they should have been more careful to avoid being assaulted.
In the case of Brock Turner, his parents engaged in victim-blaming by suggesting that the victim was partially responsible for the assault because she had been drinking. This is a classic example of victim-blaming, as it shifts the focus away from the perpetrator's actions and onto the victim's behavior.
Victim-blaming is harmful because it retraumatizes the victim and makes it less likely that they will come forward and report the assault. It also sends the message that sexual assault is somehow the victim's fault, which can make it more difficult for victims to heal and move on.
The Turner parents' victim-blaming comments were particularly egregious because they were made in a public forum, during their son's trial. This gave their comments a wider audience and made them even more harmful to the victim.
Victim-blaming is never acceptable. It is important to remember that sexual assault is never the victim's fault. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, there are resources available to help.
Insensitive comments.
In addition to their victim-blaming comments, Brock Turner's parents also made a number of other insensitive and hurtful remarks.
- They compared their son's assault to "a bad night out."
This comment trivializes the seriousness of sexual assault and fails to acknowledge the lasting harm that it can cause.
- They said that their son "made a mistake."
This statement suggests that sexual assault is a minor offense, rather than a serious crime.
- They expressed more concern for their son's future than for the victim's well-being.
This is a clear indication of where their priorities lie.
- They suggested that the victim was somehow responsible for the assault because she was intoxicated.
This is a classic example of victim-blaming.
The Turner parents' insensitive comments caused further pain and outrage for the victim and her supporters. They also demonstrated a complete lack of understanding about the seriousness of sexual assault and the impact it can have on victims.