Honoring victim self identity

WATCH’s mission is creating a more responsive justice system, one that makes the needs and safety of victims its top priority and acknowledges the unique life circumstances of each individual. But in most cases, that goal is more difficult than it sounds, even in ways that may, at first, seem straightforward. The following situation is just one example. We are including it here to spur ongoing, thoughtful discussions about these complex issues.

January 11, 2011, marked the first day this year that Minneapolis lost a resident to homicide. The victim’s legal name and gender at birth was Christopher Bates but she no longer used that identity, and chose the name Krissy. The case against her killer received extensive media coverage, and WATCH monitors observed many of the court hearings. Community activists were also present at these hearings, expressing concern that Krissy may have been targeted for a violent death.

After observing a pre-trial evidentiary hearing, one WATCH monitor wrote extensive notes, which are excerpted below.

During the evidentiary hearing, the attorneys and a witness referred to the deceased victim by her given name of Christopher, using all male pronouns. I was surprised that the identity of the victim was not preserved in the courthouse. I think choices like this on the part of court personnel have serious implications for the LGBTQI community, both in promoting acceptance and equal rights.

We can’t know what went into the witness and attorneys’ decisions to use male references. But, nothing is more basic to self-determination than having one’s name and identity acknowledged. By raising this issue we hope to continually challenge ourselves and the justice system to honor all victims, and strive for a greater understanding and acceptance of their unique needs and circumstances.