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Abstract: 

While most people would experience some level of surprise, if not shock, at the idea of revealing a rape victim’s name in the media, there are proponents of the practice. Former president of the National Organization for Women (NOW) Karen DeCrow, for example, believes that not printing the name of rape victims has detrimental effects for the victim and society. She has argued that omitting the victim’s name bolsters her status as an outcast and impairs her ability to re-establish normal social relations. (Paul Marcus and Tora McMahon, “Limiting Disclosure of Rape Victims’ Identities,” 64 S. Cal. L. Rev. 1020 (1991).) The difference between this point of view and the more traditional approach stems from a point of parity. Both perspectives are interested in avoiding further damage to the victim; both view their approach as the way to way to diminish the emotional harm done by the victimization, to restore some level of autonomy, and to avoid further humiliation.

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Affiliations:  1: Fordham Law School.