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How can we ensure that true crime documentaries do justice to the victims and their families, instead of just focusing on the perpetrators?

Corinna Blanko

As a true crime enthusiast and avid documentary-watcher, this is a question that has been on my mind for some time. Trust me, I've seen my fair share of documentaries that glorify the perpetrators while ignoring the victims and their families, and it's left me feeling frustrated and disappointed.

So, how can we ensure that true crime documentaries do justice to the victims and their families? Well, it starts with the filmmakers themselves. Documentarians need to approach their subjects with sensitivity and respect for the victims and their loved ones. This means, for example, not exploiting graphic crime scene photos or choosing sensationalist titles that prioritize shock value over empathy.

It's crucial that filmmakers involve the victims' families and friends in the filmmaking process wherever possible. Ideally, this means interviewing family members and friends to get their perspectives and insights into the case. But it can also mean simply letting them know that they are being heard and that their loved one is being remembered.

Another important aspect of doing justice to victims and their families is to focus on their lives and experiences, rather than just on the crime itself. It's easy to get caught up in the drama of the criminal act, but it's important not to forget that the victims were real people with real lives and families who cared about them.

One way to achieve this is to dedicate part of the documentary to exploring the victims' backgrounds and personalities. This could include interviews with family members and friends, footage of the victims themselves (if available), and information about their interests and passions outside of the crime.

Finally, it's important to be mindful of the impact these documentaries can have on the families and loved ones of victims. For many, the crime was a traumatic and life-changing event, and seeing it played out on television or in a film can be extremely difficult. Filmmakers need to be sensitive to this and provide resources and support for those affected by the crimes.

Overall, true crime documentaries have the potential to be powerful tools for justice, exposing injustices and bringing attention to important issues. But it's crucial that they do justice to the victims and their families, rather than simply cashing in on their pain. By showing empathy, involving families and loved ones, and focusing on the lives and experiences of victims, we can ensure that true crime documentaries serve the greater good while doing no harm.