From TIME · Debbie Millman · · 2m
When writing becomes punishment for abuse
A survivor questions whether essays can prove accountability in sexual violence cases, drawing on her own experience of words weaponised against her.
In brief
A survivor questions whether essays can prove accountability in sexual violence cases, drawing on her own experience of words weaponised against her. A survivor of childhood sexual abuse questions whether assigned essays can demonstrate genuine accountability in sexual violence cases, arguing that writing can conceal…
Quick answers
- What can an essay actually prove?
- More than fifty years later, the author questions what an assigned essay can accomplish in response to sexual violence allegations.
- What is the key takeaway from When writing becomes punishment for abuse?
- A survivor of childhood sexual abuse questions whether assigned essays can demonstrate genuine accountability in sexual violence cases, arguing that writing can conceal truth as easily as reveal it.
Cornell's essay punishment sparks debate
When Cornell University investigated sexual violence allegations, some accused students were reportedly assigned reflection papers as part of their punishment. The university later stated none were offered essays as sole consequence.
A survivor's childhood shaped by written punishment
The author survived childhood sexual abuse starting at age eleven. Her step-father used writing assignments as punishment, requiring essays about infractions and sentences repeated hundreds of times.
Words weaponised as control
The author was forbidden to speak at dinner without permission and required to write essays explaining wrongdoing. If she complained about dinner, she wrote one hundred times, "I will appreciate my mother's cooking."
“I will appreciate my mother's cooking.”
Punishment for resisting assault
When the author resisted attempts to assault her, the punishment was a thousand repetitions of "I will listen." She learned that writing correct words did not mean believing them.
“I will listen.”
What can an essay actually prove?
More than fifty years later, the author questions what an assigned essay can accomplish in response to sexual violence allegations.
Language and power in the Cornell case
Jane Doe reported the incident to university police in twenty twenty-four. Since then, the timing and content of her disclosures have become subjects of intense public scrutiny, with debate focusing on differences between initial and…
The contradiction at the heart of accountability
We scrutinise accounts of those reporting abuse for inconsistencies, while asking those found responsible for misconduct to demonstrate understanding through written reflection.The author asks why we trust required words over words people struggle to say.
Essays cannot establish genuine change
The author believes writing can lead to meaningful change, but an essay only proves someone completed an assignment. It cannot establish whether that person understands the harm caused or whether their behaviour will actually change.
At a glance
A survivor of childhood sexual abuse questions whether assigned essays can demonstrate genuine accountability in sexual violence cases, arguing that writing can conceal truth as easily as reveal it.
