Voices

Media outlets must not further shame survivors

BRATTLEBORO — I'm writing to thank you for publishing Deborah Lee Luskin's powerful piece. I was aghast to learn that Vermont Public Radio refused Luskin's commentary if it named her grandfather as her abuser, and I am glad that you published a longer version of her piece prominently on the front page of the Voices section.

In a time in which abusers hold positions of power in many of our highest offices, including the presidency and the Supreme Court, it is of utmost importance that media outlets do not further shame and silence abuse survivors, but instead provide a forum for speaking out honestly.

The Voices section fosters this kind of open, forthright sharing, and for that I am deeply grateful.

As a VPR commentator myself, I'm using this time to reflect more deeply on my connection to the radio station.

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