Latest update January 9th, 2025 4:10 AM

Guyana's largest selling daily and New York's most popular weekly

Latest News

This kind of news coverage does considerably more harm than good

Jul 24, 2010 Letters

Dear Editor,
On Wednesday 21st July 2010, Channel 28 Evening News featured an item on sexually abused children. In the item, the community in which the children are now living was identified and the name and a photograph of their deceased mother were broadcast.
While the intention of the station was no doubt to expose and raise awareness about child abuse and in particular the situation of these children, including the alleged murder of their mother, the coverage was troubling for a number of reasons.
By disclosing the location of the children, Channel 28 may have put them at further risk from the perpetrator and has in any event severely compromised their anonymity in the community and the country as they try to bring some semblance of normality to their lives. Disclosure of any information that could identify the complainant to an offence under the new Sexual Offences Act is itself an offence punishable by a fine of $2 million.
Furthermore, since the matter has already been reported to the relevant authorities, the report may have compromised the case from a law enforcement and judicial perspective.
And last but by no means least, the way the camera focused on the children was appalling and deeply disturbing. The obvious distress they felt in recounting part of their abuse was heart-rending to watch.
Disclosure for the sake of disclosure is not a healing process unless accompanied by ongoing and sustained counselling and support.
While we recognise that there is valid frustration at the slow pace and quality of investigation and court processes, the safety, security and psychological healing of child survivors of sexual and other forms of abuse are paramount, and this kind of coverage does considerably more harm than good.
Denise Dias
Afna Garnett
Danuta Radzik
Josephine Whitehead,
for Help & Shelter

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | December, 2nd, 2024

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Seven Regional Champions to vie for direct promotion single spot in Elite League Season Seven

Seven Regional Champions to vie for direct promotion single spot in...

Jan 09, 2025

Kaieteur Sports – The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) is set to commence the highly anticipated Elite League Qualification Playoffs on Saturday, January 11, 2025. This knockout-style...
Read More
Kennard Memorial Turf Club expresses sincere gratitude

Kennard Memorial Turf Club expresses sincere...

Jan 09, 2025

Canada-based Guyanese Umpire Suresh Budhoo excited to officiate at upcoming IMC Over-50 World Cup in Sri Lanka

Canada-based Guyanese Umpire Suresh Budhoo...

Jan 09, 2025

Anil Beharry Real Estate and Related Services contributes to CWC Bomb Squad award ceremony

Anil Beharry Real Estate and Related Services...

Jan 09, 2025

Alarm in West Indies over radical two-division plan for Test cricket

Alarm in West Indies over radical two-division...

Jan 08, 2025

After 18 years hiatus, West Indies arrive in Pakistan for Test series

After 18 years hiatus, West Indies arrive in...

Jan 08, 2025

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.

Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]