Public Disclosure of Private Information about Victims of Abuse

Media publication of information about child abuse victims and their families may be detrimental to the victims. This is particularly true in cases of sexual abuse, but may be just as serious in some cases of physical abuse or neglect. Many states lack laws that restrict publicity concerning the identity of child abuse victims and their families. As a result, serious harm to children can occur, not only at the time of the trial or hearing, but when subsequent stories appear years later.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all states adopt laws to prevent public disclosure of information that identifies victims of child abuse.