The World is Listening - Should They Hear Everything?

Bailey Kormick
bk399015@ohio.edu

What's the problem?
The world is finally listening, and there are countless stories waiting to be told. Sexual assault is a topic of discussion for millions all over the world, and journalists are taking the time to hear the stories and write them. Gabriel Sherman, special correspondent for Vanity Fair, said "we're at a cultural moment when the culture is ready to listen to victims and take the allegations seriously." It is inspiring to see victims stand together for justice, and it is inspiring to read articles that support those who have been wronged. So, what's the problem?

When writing a victim's story, is it always acceptable to identify them? More specifically, is it always acceptable to identify a minor? The reports on the sexual assault cases from the USA gymnastics organization encounter many victims who are minors. In a scenario when a child has suffered sexual assault, is it ethically acceptable to publish their name?

Courtesy of hrtopics.com

It's Complicated
The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) believes "this issue is not black and white; it is a wide range of grays." Each case differs, and each journalist has different beliefs. It is neither right nor wrong, according to the SPJ code of ethics to publish the name of a sexually abused child. Therefore, it is up to the individual reporter but, there are no guidelines or policies set in place to help guide or advise a journalists. There is no identifier to know when a line is being crossed.

Journalists have a responsibility to report the news and stories to the public but, this cannot jeopardize the privacy, safety or well being of the public at the same time.

Why Does it Matter?
Some may be wondering why to even question whether the name should be published. This needs to be a discussion because people's - children's - lives are being publicized and discussed. It is possible that identification could cause the sexually assaulted minor more trauma. SPJ bluntly writes "it is a journalist's job - and obligation - to tell compelling stories in detail. But is there ever a hint when it is better for a journalist to step back, give the story's subject her privacy, and, if necessary, tell the clamoring public to mind its own business?"

The Solution
Even though it is not ethically wrong, according to the SPJ code of ethics, to publish the name of a minor during a sexual assault investigation, there still needs to be some type of guideline in place to help journalists make this ethical decision. This should not be an easy five-minute decision. The repercussions and possible results of identifying the victim should be an open discussion with the guardians of the child, and it should be a unanimous decision from the family, reporter, editor and victim. When the life of a child is at risk whether that be physically, emotionally or psychologically the parties involved need to be 100 percent positive of their decision.