Rape, media and justice

Was reading an article on Online Opinion entitled “Newsworthy Rape“, and was struck by the closing statement:

 ”Only when rape makes front page news whatever the ethnicity of the rapist, can we begin to talk of justice under the rule of law for its victims.”

The article was written on the back of some comments from Geoff Clark about the extensive coverage he’s been receiving, and aligning those (insensitive and stupid) comments with the incidence of unreported rape. But I was confronted by the inherent assumption in the statement – specifically that more, higher profile media coverage would help to encourage rape victims to come forward and report their attackers. I’d have thought that quite the opposite might occur, that in many cases the victim feels an (unjustified) sense of shame and that bringing further attention to rape cases could actually hinder efforts to encourage rape victims to come forward.

I think that some in the media have come to believe that an increase in press attention is always a good thing, and I’m not sure that is true in this case. But I’m eager to hear anyone’s opinion.

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One Comment

  1. Christina
    Posted 8 February, 2007 3:42 pm at 3:42 pm | Permalink

    I think that removing the “taboo” unspeakable attitude towards rape is helpful, even if it is through the crassness (at times) of the media. Things that are not spoken about are brushed under the carpet, it can be as though they did not happen. I think this is helpful with other socially taboo areas too – eg elder abuse, child abuse etc. Speaking out about it removes some of the stigma and sense of aloneness that victims can feel, and means the rest of us can’t pretend it does not happen. I think what discourages victims of crime from coming forward is the belief that nothing will be done about it. Often with sexual crimes the victim is on trial more than the perpetrator. There is little trust of the justice system. I have seen this particularly with young victims. Prosecutions with actual outcomes may encourage people to speak up.