We are hearing tales of alleged sexual assault from around the world. Names you know are being accused. Some might offer some kind of excuse. Others deny it, outright.
What if some are being falsely accused? Should their names be destroyed?
In my early days at this radio station, we had three sexual assault trials underway.
One was a doctor, whose patient thought his examination went too far. Another was the owner of a convenience store, accused by a young shopper of touching her. The other was a dentist, accused of fondling a patient.
All three names were out there, reputations damaged.
All three found not guilty.
The doctor had followed proper procedure. The little girl admitted in court she made the story up when caught shoplifting. The dentist’s patient admitted she was looking to get even on a personal grudge.
Some say the names of those charged with sexual assault should not be released until after conviction.
Others say no — with their names out there, others will have the courage to come forward.
There is no doubt one of the biggest tragedies in all of this is the number of victims who remain silent, allowing their attackers to escape justice.
Our system is not perfect. And until there is a better way, those who are charged will have to bear the public conviction until the official decision is made.
Let me know what you think about that.
Bob Layton is the news manager of the Corus Edmonton group of radio stations and a commentator for Global News.
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