RICHMOND, Va. – As social media explodes over the sentencing of convicted rapist Brock Turner, the YWCA is pushing a message of its own – for survivors.
Last week, Brock Turner, a former swimmer at Stanford University, was sentenced to six months in county jail and probation for sexually assaulting an unconscious woman. He must register as a sex offender.
The victim was unconscious when she was sexually assaulted behind a dumpster at a frat party.
Now, the California judge is under attack for a light sentence, and for saying prison would have a severe impact on Turner.
So far 375,000 signatures have been added to the online petition that calls for the judge's removal.
Experts who deal with survivors of rape--like the folks at YWCA of Richmond want victims to know help available.
“On our social media we are always using empowering statements; letting victims know we are here for them,” said Linda Tissiere with the YWCA of Richmond.
She said their hotline took in more than 4,600 calls last year from victims, and if you know someone who is a rape survivor who needs help, they can call 804-612-6126.
