Hi Revealer,

I uncovered a chilling pattern – when some young women report a sexual assault, instead of thoroughly investigating their allegations, police prosecute them for false reporting. I highlight several cases on an episode of Reveal, on our website, as well as in a documentary released on Netflix, “Victim/Suspect.” 

Journalism is a public service. By exposing flaws in the legal system, “Victim/Suspect” serves survivors and educates policymakers. 

Viewers are writing to us about how the film validated their experiences and inspired some to speak publicly about their assaults, and their treatment by law enforcement, for the first time. 

I’ve been invited to present the investigation to thousands of professionals who interact with victims – police, prosecutors, advocates, nurses and journalists. Because of my reporting, two local news sites removed their original coverage of false reporting cases, which had included the full name and mugshot of one of the film's survivors and a false police narrative that she had fabricated her assault.

We bring humanity into our investigations – so that those with the power to effect change cannot ignore us. 

Journalism is important to me personally because it makes room for hope and change in a world that can feel so hopeless and apathetic. But the journalism industry is facing a funding crisis. It seems we hear about another round of layoffs somewhere every few weeks. 

And we’re struggling, too. We need to raise more money if we’re going to keep bringing you the same rigorous investigations.