This letter is being written in reference to the Times-Union front, page article entitled: "Alleged Rape Victim Testifies in Hattery Trial".
To the victim: I am so sorry for what you have gone through. You have shown great courage and vulnerability by re-telling your story in front of a room full of people. Also, by writing this letter I mean no disrespect whatsoever to you, your family and friends, the health care professionals, or the investigators and prosecutors who have been involved with your case. Now, we must all have faith that the justice system will do what it is meant to do. My prayer for you is that God help you heal in ways that we cannot comprehend.
To the Times-Union: The level of detailin which this article was written is what I take exception to. Why did Jen Gibson, the reporter, feel the need to write such intimate details about the actual rape itself? And why was this article approved for print as written? Yes, I do understand that many of the words in the article came from actual testimony in a court of law; however, I do not understand the reasoning for including these facts - beyond using them as a way to sell newspapers. To me, this article seems voyeuristic and disrespectful to the victim.
Keeping in mind that people of all ages, including elementary school age children, read your newspaper, the next time you print the "facts" please remember these definitions of the word "respect": 1) to show regard or consideration for, and 2) to refrain from or intruding upon.
