Stigma Of Rape Essay

The stigma of rape fostered by widespread societal beliefs holds the victims accountable for putting themselves in such a vulnerable position. Some victims’ rights activists and journalists believe in the power of informing as part of the solution to end the stigma. The editor of the Des Moines Register, Geneva Overholser, encourages victims of rape to share their story in an effort to educate the public and spark a conversation. Publishing the accounts of a rape victim’s story draws attention to related issues such as the trauma the individual experiences after the incident and the complicated process of filing a case against the alleged perpetrator. The problem of rape is taken more seriously when there is a name and story attributed to it. However, journalists must recognize that not all victims are prepared to share their stories and should seek permission about

According to a study published by the National Women’s Center, more than 33 percent of rape victims develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and one in 10 of these victims carry it with them the rest of their lives. Victims’ rights activists might think that by sharing their stories, individuals will feel a sense of closure. But by having to tell the story over and over again to a reporter, they will have to relive one of the more unpleasant periods of their lives. Following her rape, Nancy Ziegenmeyer feared reporting the incident to the police, but was convinced by a nurse at the hospital. Most victims do not have someone to turn to in these cases because they are too afraid and embarrassed. Pressuring them or even repeatedly asking them to share their experiences will force them to relive the trauma. If the victim seems prepared and reaches out to a news outlet like Ziegenmeyer did, then journalists should work with them to create the narrative of the