Discussion List for campus-based and allied personnel working to end gender-based violence on campus.

Having worked on both sides of the issue (now working for victims as well as 
CBS News and CNN), I can echo the concerns about "putting victims out there", 
but, there are ways to deal with the issue short of silence -- (which is not 
a 
good idea because culture gets powerful messages from daytime talk shows, 
etc.)

I agree the goal of the producer might be to sell ads and generate 
sensationalist moments -- but victims and advocates can avoid being 
manipulated with 
good training.

When I've done programs and/or had clients appear on shows, I control the 
situation with specific requirements in terms of who can be on the stage/show 
at 
the same time -- and I work with the victim to ensure that she says what SHE 
wants to say no matter what the question - 

Thus, if a host says "why didn't you think before going up to his room" -- or 
other such blaming questions -- my client is "trained" not to answer - but 
instead, make a statement about the perpetrator's conduct -- 

Not all victims are willing or capable to do this but it's important to 
consider all options because the voice of victims will not be heard if we 
choose 
silence based on fear that the producer might do harm.

Moreover, the audiences of women and men who watch these shows are important 
to reach because they are often people with limited funds, no power and women 
who may not know their rights, etc. - 

so they need to see and hear from people with whom they can identify and they 
need to be empowered - 

There is simply no way to do a "story" on most daytime programs without a 
human being to give context to larger issues.  Victims provide this important 
voice and while no one should be pressured to speak publicly, I think we all 
have 
a responsibility to offer opportunities to victims as long as we also give 
them support, training in what to expect, etc.

wendy murphy