Letter to the Editor

Published by BBN Staff at February 17, 2017

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Posted: Friday, February 17, 2017. 1:59 pm CST.

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By Melina Melhado:Hi, is there someone who can be held accountable for the article posted yesterday titled: “A 15 yr old is raped while drinking and smoking weed”? Myself and many other subscribers to your page are simply offended at the implications of the title. We feel that, as a news outlet, you are influential and therefore responsible for spreading stories in a way that is true and unbiased. Our rape culture in Belize, as in many countries mercilessly place blame on the victims of rape rather than the perpetrator. This has made it very difficult for many women AND men to speak up about their rape, and as a result, harder to bring those responsible to justice.

Articles like your own add to this unbearable flaw in our society, and it is simply unacceptable for us to allow it to continue shaping and influencing the minds of those who simply take the bait. I urge you to make a public apology for the wording of your title and re-post the news story more accordingly and respectable to all those involved. I also urge you and your editors to realize the gravity of your words and the effect it has on many, and to keep this in mind for all stories – as any respectable news source would.

The views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not necessarily those of Breaking Belize News.

From the editor: Thank you for your letter Ms. Melhado. We appreciate the concern and have seen the outcry from the public. As such we have removed the original title and replaced it with a more accurate headline.

BBN, in no way, insinuated or tried to cast blame upon the victim except for reporting the matter as the information was given by police. Indeed, rape is a very serious crime and a very sensitive subject. BBN will approach such stories with more caution and sensitivity towards all parties involved in such matters.

Best regards,

Editor

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