Identifying the victims of sexual assualt and their parents?

Mr Hack,

You leave me no choice. When your daughters are raped, please advise on the spelling of their names and the grade schools they attend. And is there any way we can see the family photo album?

YHS, etc

 

I think we all recognize the ridiculousness of his statements without going much further.

 

What do you mean "re-thought?"

Did the case collapse because the victim wasn't anonymous and the hounding ruined the proceedings?

Or should her name should have been out there from the start because she was just a lying tart?

 

The answer is no.
As a society, and as newspapers we are extensions of that society, it is our responsibility to treat victims -- or alleged victims -- as victims. It is our responsibility to acknowledge their right to protect their identity for what some -- and some cultures -- perceive as a shameful event. Not to mention the physical and emotional trauma.
Just because an alleged victim recently has been rooted out, we shouldn't change our coverage of these types stories and our views of victims. That onus falls on our legal system. Not us.

(if you want to discuss responsible reporting of alleged victims and the ensuing legalities (i.e. the Duke Lacrosse team), that's a different topic altogether).

 

Elliotte,

Just wasn't sure what side you were coming from. Frankly, I don't know what was true, but the ugliest part about that whole case was the media outing the woman and then rushing to print lurid stories about her.

I thought that made our industry look awful (as well as an arm of the Kobe defense team).

The case itself, I am ambivalent about. The conduct of the "media" made me angry.

 

The best ancedote in the book on Kobe Bryant and the hotel girl is that he allegedly said "I love Colorado" as he was forcing it in her.

 

Yes, what a fantastic anecdote. :

Fucking prick.

 

What is your deal?