Herald-Leader article could have chilling effect on people seeking protective orders | Opinion

Recently, the Herald-Leader published an article about the Temporary Interpersonal Protective Order (TIPO) filed against a current LFUCG Councilwoman. As Chair of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention Coalition (DSVPC), I contacted the editor to discuss the decision to publish the name of the petitioner and details of the alleged sexual abuse in the article.

After speaking with the Herald-Leader Editor Rick Green, it was explained to me that after much deliberation the information was shared because they decided it was important to inform the public on a case involving elected officials who are both on the ballot this November. It was reasoned the information could be reflective of a candidate’s character and ability to ethically hold a position of leadership in local government.

I was assured this was a unique set of circumstances and is in no way predictive of future cases; the Herald-Leader’s regular policy is to keep survivors of domestic and sexual violence anonymous.

DSVPC does not take issue with the public’s interest to be informed; rather, our coalition is concerned by the decision of the Herald-Leader to expose the identity of the petitioner and publish details of alleged sexual abuse revealed in the petitioner’s testimony to the Court.

Protecting the identity of persons alleging sexual abuse is a cornerstone of a survivor-centered response. This commitment protects the physical and emotional safety of survivors. When a survivor must risk public exposure to seek legal protection and accountability, they are less likely to report the abuse. The risk of public exposure disempowers and re-traumatizes survivors, adding yet another barrier to justice and healing.

The message of “It’s Time Lexington” is that domestic and sexual violence are community issues, (visit ItsTimeLexington.org). Each of us must recognize our responsibility to foster a community that supports survivors while holding abusers accountable. This responsibility extends to our community’s media, even if the person alleging sexual violence is an elected official.

The manner in which the Herald-Leader chose to cover this story has moved the conversation to idle curiosity and sensationalism. The press is obliged only to provide information to maintain an informed citizenry. This goal could have been accomplished in a myriad of ways than publishing the petitioner’s name and details of the alleged abuse.

DSVPC believes media should report sexual abuse and domestic violence crimes through a lens that builds understanding of the complexity of victimization, holds perpetrators accountable, and informs the public for the purpose of public safety and personal knowledge. Further, it is the responsibility of an informed press to provide connection to the larger issue, such as services for survivors and their families and the root causes of power-based personal violence.

Although the Herald-Leader has a longstanding history of excellence regarding survivor rights and protection of survivor anonymity, we are concerned the article in question sidesteps these commitments. The ramifications of this decision are far-reaching. Survivors of sexual and domestic violence crimes are naturally concerned of a possible new precedent.

Diane E. Fleet is the chair of the Fayette County Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention Coalition (DSVPC).