Book Review: “Know My Name” by Chanel Miller

*Trigger warning: This blog article discusses sexual assault and subsequent trauma. 

I am so thankful that my online book club chose “Know My Name” by Chanel Miller for one of our recent books to read. Miller uses her gift of writing to share her experience as the anonymous victim (Emily Doe) in the Stanford sexual assault case from 2015/2016. 

While I was in graduate school in Cincinnati, I was on the school’s student sexual assault response team. Every night, one or two of us were “on call” to take phone calls from undergraduate and graduate students who experienced sexual assault on or off campus. If necessary, we also acted as advocates for individuals going through the university’s sexual assault review system if another student was involved. 

I worked on one case in which a female student was assaulted by another male student. I worked with this student to help her understand her rights and options. I also sat with her during interviews with detectives and other officials. I can’t go into details, but seeing how this student was affected by the assault itself AND the judicial system was sobering. The judicial process was more traumatizing than the assault itself. Mostly because she was not believed. 

As I read “Know My Name” I was often reminded of the student I worked with. Miller had to fight hard to be heard and understood. 

Miller explains what her life was like before the assault and trial: a recent college graduate, getting her footing as an “adult” with an entry level job, and navigating a new relationship with a long distance boyfriend. 

She also describes what she remembers before and after the assault. For anyone who is triggered by descriptions of sexual assault, this might be a safe read (only you know for sure!). Miller does not recall the actual assault, so it is not described in detail. However, the evidence of the case is discussed throughout the book. The details may be triggering for some readers.

Even though I am former sexual assault advocate and current therapist, I can forget how difficult trials can be for victims once the trial is over. I am empathetic before and during trial and especially if there is a not-guilty verdict. But when a defendant is found guilty, I often forget that the victim is still a victim. A guilty verdict does not erase the trauma. 

Miller’s book reminded me that even after an assailant is found guilty and serves his time, can still struggle with common symptoms of PTSD. Miller was having difficulty feeling safe when alone, managing anxiety, and feeling like herself. 

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has experienced sexual assault or mistreatment (as long as it feels safe and comfortable to read this topic), individuals who work in the judicial system (police/detectives, lawyers, judges, court reporters), and anyone who works in the mental health/social services fields. 

“Know My Name” is an important book that can help people understand the trauma of sexual assault the aftermath of assault. And I highly recommend it as an audiobook read by Miller!