However, knowing that their name could be printed in the newspaper could also deter abusers from taking a swing. It could also encourage neighbors and family members who didn't know about the abuse before to pick up the phone and dial 911 for the victims. I've addressed the reasons not to print the names. Now let me outline the reasons we should. Domestic abuse shouldn't be a secret.
Domestic abusers tell their victims to keep their beatings a secret.
They hit their victims in places where others won't be able to see the bruises. I'm sorry, but domestic abuse is wrong, it's against the law, and we shouldn't help the abusers keep what they're doing a secret. Also, printing abusers' names in the paper will make their victims confront the issue. We've all heard stories of abused wives living in terrible situations for years because they thought they were alone, in the wrong, co-dependent, etc. Community knowledge of the abuse will make it very difficult for these wives to hide from their situation.