By: Ethan Rogers
Beverly Hills, CA… Why might a woman choose to be referred to or file a lawsuit under the name Jane Doe?
Have you ever wondered if you know someone who’s used that pseudonym?
It’s a step frequently seen in the courtroom. But why is it used?
Primarily for anonymity, of course. But are there other reasons?
Sometimes it is out of safety concerns. Other times, it’s to safeguard their reputation. Or it may be both. For some, it helps them continue their professional life. For others, it’s a way to maintain their personal relationships. In some instances, it’s a method to protect loved ones, perhaps family members. Or maybe it’s simply to wait until the timing feels right to step into the spotlight.
Why is this done?
Too many of these women have been
- Subjected to harmful campaigns
- Harassed
- “Caught in the web”
- Damaged
- Defamed
- Depicted falsely
- Subjected to misinformation
- Doxed
- Exploited
- The target of false rumors
- Frightened
- Followed
- Harassed (listed twice)
- Blacklisted internationally
- Intimidated
- Lost their privacy
- Mischaracterized
- Misrepresented through photos and videos
- Photographed without consent
- Publicly shamed
- Heckled
- Received threatening messages
- Scared
- Scrutinized
- Silenced
- Slandered
- Smear campaigns
- Stalked
- Targeted
- Threatened
- Tracked
- Traced
- And more.
It can feel as though they are part of a scripted narrative. Public defamation is a form of institutional betrayal experienced by many survivors. Worse, it contributes to the broader cultural silencing of these women.
While one IT expert explains being “caught in the web” as “not personal,” they add that “the damage is.” This insight seems eerily accurate.
These Jane Does might have been victims of assault, sexual or otherwise, or raped, possibly multiple times or by more than one perpetrator. Some may even be participants in a rape victim’s protection program, such as California’s Safe At Home program, which is a confidential address program managed by the California Secretary of State’s office.
She could be someone with little formal education, or she may have graduated from a highly regarded institution. She might fall anywhere in between.
Together, these women face challenges in overcoming not just the trauma of what has been done to them but also the societal judgment that still surrounds such situations.
It has been described as a violation so profound that it feels as though it takes away your very identity. Brutal and dehumanizing. An assault so damaging that it seems there is no way forward, and no way out. The survivor may appear so disfigured and disgraced that no one would listen to her, even if she wished to speak. So, what happens next? How can she reclaim her identity when it is being misused by someone else, and in some cases, with the threat of further harm should she object?
Once they decide to regain control of their future, “Jane Doe” can be the pathway that allows them to move forward and take the next steps.
It is said that there is great strength to be found in adversity.
HOW TO BE A WOMAN ONLINE: Surviving Abuse and Harassment, and How to Fight Back, by Nina Jankowicz, explores the social media aspect and provides useful guidance. Unexpectedly, she herself became the target of an overwhelming amount of abuse and harassment online, mostly from men, after the book was published.
Since the rapid rise of social media, an estimated 77% of Americans, according to Healthline, are active online. Some experts suggest that the situation may be spiraling out of control. Families have been torn apart when children, after enduring online bullying, have tragically taken their own lives. Or when a peer made a comment like “you should kill yourself,” and the student acted on it.
So much content is reposted, repurposed, shared, and commented on. Careers have been derailed, families shattered, friendships interrupted, and relationships severed — sometimes for good. Essentially, lives have been irrevocably affected. Ultimately, it’s nearly impossible to ensure everything is erased. Forever.
Hence, the decision to step forward as Jane Doe.
This is why a plaintiff’s choice to file a complaint is often considered courageous by their legal counsel.
Do you know a Jane Doe? Or perhaps you are one? If so, know that you are not alone.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice or an endorsement of any particular course of action. The experiences and situations described are meant to highlight broader societal issues and are not representative of every individual’s experience. If you are facing harassment or other personal challenges, it is recommended to seek professional guidance or legal counsel to address your specific situation.
