Would you be willing to ruin your reputation permanently in order to help others?

Question

Do you think someone should go public with some terrible sexual assault stories in the media and online in order to prevent future incidences from the assaulter by warning others. This would be done against her will but the newspaper wants her cooperation to get more credibility for the story. She lives in a very conservative community and is afraid even if the story remains anonymous her identity will leak out.

Answer 1

Think about the motivations of the newspaper.  Of course they want her story ... it'll sell more newspapers and possibly be syndicated as well (more money for the publishers).

Would she benefit?  It's unlikely. If she likes being in the spotlight, then be my guest ... go for it.  But recognize that the paper reserves the right to print anything or twist the story any way they want, and does not need to show the story to the interviewee before it's published.

If the newspaper feels people should be warned about this perpetrator, it can go to the police department for quotes or a press release.  It doesn't need to turn a woman's life upside down.

The readers would probably be the type of persons who like to stop and watch the aftermath of car accidents or murders.  (morbid curiosity) Who benefits from that type of behavior?

Answer 2

How would knowing someone's name, help prevent future attacks?  I have a problem with the question.  

Answer 3

No, I wouldn't be able to go public.

Answer 4

I wouldnt be willing to go public with it.