Rape in the media

Some French journalists objected to this photo.

The Dominique Strauss-Kahn alleged rape case has created a media circus that, though it subsided for a while, now appears to be in its second act.

Originally accused of raping a maid in New York this May, Strauss-Kahn later resigned as the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund while his case was under consideration.

Recently, there seemed to be a reprieve for Strauss-Kahn as the maid’s accusations and the validity of the case became questionable.

But fresh allegations and an ensuing media storm happened again last week, as CNN and other news outlets reported that 32-year-old French journalist Tristine Banon filed a criminal complaint accusing Strauss-Kahn of attempted rape in 2003.

While no one would question the seriousness of a rape allegation, the public has questioned how media should handle such a case.

It’s a sensitive topic and opinions about the right way to cover rape appear to vary from country to country and across publications.

As a ground rule, The Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics advises reporters to “Minimize Harm” and thus be wary when disclosing personal information about “victims of sex crimes.”

GOOD magazine— an American publication and online media platform – also believes in never publishing the name and personal details about the victim. But, the French press published articles revealing that information after the allegations surfaced.

In turn, French media and political parties criticized the American press for publishing photos of Strauss-Kahn in handcuffs. French law forbids publishing photos of the accused in handcuffs before a verdict is reached as well as any images that could tarnish a person’s dignity.
A recent USA Today article also criticized the treatment of the rape accuser in the DSK case. Because of the way the maid’s past was drudged up by the media, some advocacy and women’s groups fear that the media’s treatment of her will prevent other women from reporting rape.

On the other hand, though she reveals personal details and brings up the back story of a rape victim, Kate Bramson, a Dart Society member and writer for the Providence Journal, was one of the writers who crafted an intimate and sensitive narrative about a 15-year-old rape victim in a small town. She won a Dart Center Award for her work on the piece.

And as the DSK case builds and continues, sensitivity in journalism may be key in keeping public opinion unbiased.

What information is relevant for the public to know in rape cases?  What are the consequences of a media frenzy for the victim and perpetrator?  How can the media contribute to public understanding?

-by Caitlin Huston