Covering rape across the fault lines: a discussion

The account of a Richmond, CA teenager reportedly beaten, robbed and gang raped outside of her high school during the homecoming party has spread across the local and national news.

Reporting about a sensitive issue like rape is often tricky. This story, which touches on all the fault lines of race, class, gender, generation and geography, is no exception. After the jump we've linked to several of the stories, including pieces that discuss the victim's alcohol intake in varying details.

Please join us in a thoughtful and respectful conversation on how the reporting succeeded and where it could have been improved. Our goal is not to criticize the reporters, but to help all of us find ways to better and more accurately cover issues across the fault lines.


RICHMOND, Calif. - The gang rape and beating of a 15-year-old girl on school grounds after her homecoming dance was horrific enough. But even more shocking, police say, was that up to two dozen people watched and did nothing to stop it.

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/oct/27/calif-town-rattled-alleged-rape-girl-15/

Two more suspects who allegedly joined a group of young men who laughed and shot photos as several of them raped a Richmond High School girl have been arrested, police said Tuesday.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/10/28/MNEA1AB71L.DTL

http://www.californiareport.org/archive/R910300850/a

She had come alone to the Richmond High School homecoming dance, gorgeous in a sparkling purple dress and faux diamond baubles. The DJ played salsa, meringue, rap. When the teenager disappeared, her friends thought she had gone home early.

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/10/29/california.rape.victim.friend/

A hint of resignation tinges Margarita Vargas' voice when she talks about the people who gang raped a 15-year-old girl at Richmond High School on Saturday.

http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_13651646

Last weekend's gang rape at Richmond High School was almost bound to happen. All it needed was a spark - the elements were already there.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/11/01/MNR41ACRGU.DTL

The world surrounding Richmond High School teemed with outrage after last weekend's gang rape of a 15-year-old girl outside her homecoming dance, and those in charge still don't know where to point the finger.

http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_13680095

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