Outline and discuss the fears about intrusive press coverage, unwanted publicity, and victim-blaming accusations that discourage some sexual assault victims from turning to the criminal justice system for help

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Victim blaming provides a barrier to women wanting to report a rape, especially in the majority of cases where the offender is an acquaintance. Society has often focused on the blame-worthiness of the victim, arguing she was ‘asking for trouble' due to what she was wearing, how she was acting, or who she was hanging out with. Any behavior outside the socially proscribed gender roles will be the heart of the blame. If she was drinking, hanging out in a bar, or flirting—these behaviors would be seen as careless acts contributing to an inevitable victimization.
The media is more concerned with covering stranger rapes and rapes were there are physical injuries than the most common acquaintance rape. The media will simplify the character of the victim to either a pure innocent woman or a slut. With the later, the blame will be placed on the victim and this will be publicized widely, impacting the victims chances in obtaining justice through the criminal justice process. There has been controversy whether to publicize the name of the rape victim. One side contends rape victims need the additional protection, especially in light of the social mores which tend to blame her. The flip side contends this is a violation of a defendant's right to a fair trial and the media should not be censored.