Published 9 April 2018
Buckie Got It, St. Kitts and Nevis News Source
REPORTING ON SEXUAL OFFENCES
Sexual offences are extremely sensitive in nature. There are many factors, both current and those that may arise in the future, that need to be taken into consideration when publishing information relating to such crimes. Members of the public and media entities are encouraged to be guided by sound ethical practices and the law to ensure that all information published is done responsibly and that it does not have an adverse effect on the victim, the case, or the accused if exonerated. Attached is the relevant section of the Offences Against the Person Act which was revised in 2002.
Police Sensitize Media, Public On Reporting On Sexual Offences
St Kitts and Nevis (WINN): The Police High Command is advising members of the media fraternity to familiarize themselves with the relevant laws as it pertains to reporting on sexual offences.
This comes on the heels of a highly publicized allegation of rape in Basseterre and accusations that the police were covering up and protecting the accused individual by not naming and charging him when he was arrested over the weekend.
The man was subsequently charged with two counts of rape.
The High Command, in a statement issued on Friday (Apr 7), said it has come to realize that there are some media entities that may not be familiar with the relevant legislation regarding such matters. Media practitioners were cautioned to report on sexual offences responsibly.
“Sexual offences are extremely sensitive in nature. There are many factors, both current and those that may arise in the future, that media entities should take into consideration when publishing information relating to such crimes. Editors should be guided by their journalistic training, sound ethical practices and the law to ensure that all information published does not have an adverse effect on the victim, the case, or the accused if exonerated, and it should also comply with the laws of the land.”
They also attached the relevant section of the Offences Against the Person Act which speaks to reporting on sexual offences.
The law states that after a person is charged with a sexual offence no matter which is likely to lead the public to identify a person as the complainant or as the accused shall either be published in a written publication or be broadcast in St. Kitts and Nevis.
A person who publishes or broadcasts any matter contrary to this commits an offense and is liable eon summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $5000 or imprisonment of a term not exceeding two years.
Offences that fall under the section of the legislation include rap, defilement of a girl under 16 years, indecent assault, sodomy, incest, any offence involving children, and any attempt to commit any of these offences.
