The Hidden Tragedy of Invisible Victims

Medical policy makers often prioritizes visible victims—those whose harm is immediate and apparent—at the expense of invisible victims, individuals harmed indirectly by such a system. Using mandatory reporting laws as a case study, this commentary highlights how such policies can discourage diagnosi...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Jacob M. Appel
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Levy Library Press 2025-07-01
Series:Journal of Scientific Innovation in Medicine
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Online Access:https://account.journalofscientificinnovationinmedicine.org/index.php/ll-j-jsim/article/view/249
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Summary:Medical policy makers often prioritizes visible victims—those whose harm is immediate and apparent—at the expense of invisible victims, individuals harmed indirectly by such a system. Using mandatory reporting laws as a case study, this commentary highlights how such policies can discourage diagnosis and treatment, ultimately increasing harm. Because these victims do not self-identify and their suffering is diffuse, the outcomes for these invisible victims are rarely measured. A cultural shift is needed in medicine and public health in order to both acknowledge and to account for these hidden casualties.
ISSN:2579-0153