It was just one letter, but it spoke for so many. It gave voice to sexual assault victims who never got the chance to confront their attackers. During her reading of Emily Doe’s letter, Stone said we need to change the culture and laws around sexual assault.
From Emily Doe’s letter: “To girls everywhere, I am with you … I hope that by speaking today, you absorbed a small amount of light, a small knowing that you can’t be silenced, a small satisfaction that justice was served, a small assurance that we are getting somewhere, and a big, big knowing that you are important, unquestionably, you are untouchable, you are beautiful, you are to be valued, respected, undeniably, every minute of every day, you are powerful and nobody can take that away from you.”
District Attorney Jeff Rosen led the conference for law enforcement and campus leaders. In addition to Stone’s reading Congresswoman Jackie Speier shared gut-wrenching cases of sexual assault from around the country and writers Kevin Powell and Kamilah Willingham also spoke.