I am incredibly moved to help the childhood victims of sexual-assault crimes reported in the newspaper.

Let’s put ourselves in these kids’ position: having bravely announced in a courtroom the most traumatic event(s) of their lives, the most horrendous details are published in the local newspapers for neighbors, peers, teachers, and even store keepers to know. The name of the victim is not published, but it becomes quite obvious to anyone familiar with the abuser to whom the story refers.

I implore readers – the ‘owners’ of every newspaper – to stop supporting further traumatization of these brave souls who have suffered too much already. Pick up a pen and be heard, if it doesn’t stop, speak up some more. Take five minutes of your day; it’s worth it.

It is important to publish the faces of these sexual perpetrators in the newspaper – shame is good for some things. However, let’s contemplate the nonsensical and severely harmful nature of publishing the gory details of the abuse that occurred – is it all for the sake of sensation? To sell a darn newspaper?

How extremely distasteful this ritual is when thought of in this way.

Speak up. Become part of the prevention of crimes of this nature – our movement forward from here will actually help future victims come forward and prosecute their abusers.

Chris Davis, Norway

Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this letter was published in error on March 30.

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