Recently, there have been consecutive cases of sexual harassment and sexual assault victims speaking out about their experiences on the internet. News media coverage of these incidents has increased public attention to the “Taiwan #MeToo” movement. However, some media outlets have used crude and violent language in their headlines and even posted news links with a mocking tone to generate more clicks.

Regarding this type of reporting style, the Garden of Hope Foundation strongly urges that the experiences of sexual harassment and sexual assault victims, as well as the trauma they have endured, should not be reported in a “voyeuristic” or “sensational” manner by the media. Such reporting is unrelated to the public interest and is not what Taiwanese society needs. It will only deepen the misconception about sexual harassment among the audience and reinforce stereotypical impressions of the “perfect victim.” This not only inflicts secondary harm on the victims but may also silence individuals with similar experiences due to the unfriendly social media environment.

Sexual violence is a serious human rights issue, and the Garden of Hope Foundation requests that the media handle related incidents with rigor when reporting on them. We also urge everyone to reflect on whether Taiwan’s society, communities, and families truly want to see reports that deepen the pain of victims.

If you also believe that such reporting should not continue, please refrain from clicking, sharing, or commenting on this type of headline, content, and social media posts, to prevent this reporting style from attracting attention. Let us all join the Garden of Hope Foundation in reclaiming a media environment that genuinely serves the interests of society and the public, not only for the victims but for every one of us.

The repeated dissemination of traumatic events and content not only stimulates the feelings of trauma for the victims but may also cause the public to experience secondary trauma. At the same time, the Garden of Hope Foundation is concerned about the journalists who continue to focus on this issue. When producing related news reports, please pay attention to your own mental and physical well-being, as repeatedly empathizing with the victims may indirectly lead to psychological harm.

Together, let us support and help every person in need.