Of all the sensitive information we deal with in The Monroe Times newsroom, sexual assault cases are at the top of the list. This is nothing new: Reporting on sexual assault cases has always been and always will be challenging.
On one hand, there are those who believe the sensitive nature of sexual assault deserves protection of the victim at all costs - some believe to the extent of not including this type of story in our newspaper at all. Victims of sexual assault have a tremendously difficult time stepping forward for a variety of reasons - including exposure in the media and the fear of being blamed for the assault.
On the other hand, there are those who believe we must rip away the stigma associated with sexual assault, and reporting more completely is a means to that end. To try to "soften" news coverage downplays the crime and serves as a layer of protection for the perpetrator - when in fact their actions should be brought to light so we can better deal with the problem.
We at The Monroe Times try to find the right balance by being fair and responsible.
It's not an exact science. Despite a good-faith effort to use our best judgment, sometimes we miss that mark.
Several readers let us know that a recent story about a sexual assault case was off target. Some were concerned we didn't take great enough care to protect the victims' identities. Some were unhappy with the amount of detail we included.
I understand their concerns. It was not our intent, nor has it ever been our intent, to cast undue exposure on victims of sexual assault or abuse. But even unintentional actions have consequences, and I am sorry for any instance in which we've done a disservice to a victim of sexual assault.
We've done some serious soul-searching in how we will approach our coverage of these cases going forward. We've looked beyond our walls for input on how to better handle this type of reporting. We've spoken with people who work directly with sexual assault victims on how we can accurately report the scope of the crime while minimizing the impact on victims.
I spoke with a family member from the recent case that prompted this discussion. I felt the conversation had a positive outcome, for which I am grateful.
But actions speak louder than words.
To that end, we are working on a course of action. We're developing new guidelines on how we report on sexual assault crimes. This means that some details that readers may want to know will be intentionally left out.
I learned something that surprised me in the process: Many times victims want to speak to the media. Given how often people get nervous when we as reporters ask them even the most innocuous question, I've held reservations about contacting victims of sexual assault. I believed this would be too intrusive and a victim would feel put on the spot.
But advocates for victims say this is not the case: Victims appreciate having the opportunity to be seen as human beings, not just another casefile. At the very least, they appreciate knowing when we intend to publish a story about their case.
We will be looking into this further. There are logistics to be worked out, and we as journalists must be careful to not cross the line into advocacy in an ongoing criminal case. But if it helps victims feel even slightly more at ease in reporting sexual assaults, it's an initiative worth exploring.
I realize this column will serve as fodder for those who feel our intended actions are a day late and a dollar short. I realize that even with the best possible guidelines in place, we can't please everyone. And I realize that even with the best possible guidelines in place, there will be situations or circumstances that warrant exceptions.
But I also know this: The Monroe Times does not want our reporting to be a distraction to the real issue. Too many people in our community are struggling with sexual assault. They may be afraid to step forward and report what is happening now, or they may be carrying the burden of something that happened many years ago.
Perhaps going forward, we'll all be able to better focus on finding a solution.
- Mary Jane Grenzow is editor of The Monroe Times. Her email is editor@themonroetimes.com
On one hand, there are those who believe the sensitive nature of sexual assault deserves protection of the victim at all costs - some believe to the extent of not including this type of story in our newspaper at all. Victims of sexual assault have a tremendously difficult time stepping forward for a variety of reasons - including exposure in the media and the fear of being blamed for the assault.
On the other hand, there are those who believe we must rip away the stigma associated with sexual assault, and reporting more completely is a means to that end. To try to "soften" news coverage downplays the crime and serves as a layer of protection for the perpetrator - when in fact their actions should be brought to light so we can better deal with the problem.
We at The Monroe Times try to find the right balance by being fair and responsible.
It's not an exact science. Despite a good-faith effort to use our best judgment, sometimes we miss that mark.
Several readers let us know that a recent story about a sexual assault case was off target. Some were concerned we didn't take great enough care to protect the victims' identities. Some were unhappy with the amount of detail we included.
I understand their concerns. It was not our intent, nor has it ever been our intent, to cast undue exposure on victims of sexual assault or abuse. But even unintentional actions have consequences, and I am sorry for any instance in which we've done a disservice to a victim of sexual assault.
We've done some serious soul-searching in how we will approach our coverage of these cases going forward. We've looked beyond our walls for input on how to better handle this type of reporting. We've spoken with people who work directly with sexual assault victims on how we can accurately report the scope of the crime while minimizing the impact on victims.
I spoke with a family member from the recent case that prompted this discussion. I felt the conversation had a positive outcome, for which I am grateful.
But actions speak louder than words.
To that end, we are working on a course of action. We're developing new guidelines on how we report on sexual assault crimes. This means that some details that readers may want to know will be intentionally left out.
I learned something that surprised me in the process: Many times victims want to speak to the media. Given how often people get nervous when we as reporters ask them even the most innocuous question, I've held reservations about contacting victims of sexual assault. I believed this would be too intrusive and a victim would feel put on the spot.
But advocates for victims say this is not the case: Victims appreciate having the opportunity to be seen as human beings, not just another casefile. At the very least, they appreciate knowing when we intend to publish a story about their case.
We will be looking into this further. There are logistics to be worked out, and we as journalists must be careful to not cross the line into advocacy in an ongoing criminal case. But if it helps victims feel even slightly more at ease in reporting sexual assaults, it's an initiative worth exploring.
I realize this column will serve as fodder for those who feel our intended actions are a day late and a dollar short. I realize that even with the best possible guidelines in place, we can't please everyone. And I realize that even with the best possible guidelines in place, there will be situations or circumstances that warrant exceptions.
But I also know this: The Monroe Times does not want our reporting to be a distraction to the real issue. Too many people in our community are struggling with sexual assault. They may be afraid to step forward and report what is happening now, or they may be carrying the burden of something that happened many years ago.
Perhaps going forward, we'll all be able to better focus on finding a solution.
- Mary Jane Grenzow is editor of The Monroe Times. Her email is editor@themonroetimes.com