Video: In Jennifer's Room
November 30, 2012
The Center for Investigative Reporting (featured before on this blog with two animations: The Cost of Gas and The Hidden Cost of Hamburgers) has published a graphic novel-like report about sexual harassment of mentally disabled persons. It's an impressive story, and it also shows how graphic storytelling can be used to tell a gruesome story in in a way that protects and respects the victims:
In August 2006, caregivers at the Sonoma Developmental Center found dark blue bruises shaped like handprints covering the breasts of a patient named Jennifer. She accused a staff member of molestation, court records show. Jennifer's injuries appeared to be evidence of sexual abuse, indicating that someone had violently grabbed her.
The Office of Protective Services opened an investigation. But detectives took no action because the case relied heavily on the word of a woman with severe intellectual disabilities. A few months later, court records show, officials at the center had indisputable evidence that a crime had occurred.
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