Responsible Reporting on Rape and Sexual Assault
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The way journalists write and present rape and sexual assault in the media significantly impacts the public’s perception of rape and sexual assault.
It is of utmost importance, therefore, to handle such reportage with great care, ensuring the protection of the survivor’s identity, providing accurate facts, and treating with sensitivity the incident.
In collaboration with journalist and writer Sameera Khan, here are several guidelines to assist in this responsible reporting:
Word Choice
• Use the term ‘survivor of sexual assault’ instead of ‘victim.’
• Avoid downplaying the severity of the act; use ‘raped’ instead of ‘had sex with,’ and ‘molested’ instead of ‘fondled.’
• Refrain from using judgmental adjectives like ‘pitiful’ or ‘helpless’ when describing the survivor.
• Ensure accuracy in referring to the ‘accused’ and the ‘convicted’ to prevent adversely affecting the case.
Writing Style
• Utilize the active voice when reporting rape and sexual assault.
• Specify the action taken by the accused, e.g., ‘XYZ raped her’ or ‘XYZ assaulted her,’ instead of passive statements like ‘She was raped’ or ‘She was assaulted.’
• Shift the focus towards the accused rather than solely on the survivor.
Tone
• Avoid adopting a moralizing tone when addressing the survivor, her family, or the general public.
• Question and challenge statements that perpetuate harmful views, such as those concerning a woman’s attire or curfew restrictions.
• Refrain from making assumptions or offering opinions based on irrelevant details like the incident location or the survivor’s appearance.
Disclosing Details
• Safeguard the survivor’s identity by never revealing her name, address, or family details.
• Avoid indirectly disclosing personal information that could potentially identify the survivor.
• Only share relevant details about the accused’s family if necessary for the investigation.
Sources and Quotes
• Utilize multiple sources when writing a story, avoiding overreliance on a single perspective.
• Consult qualified experts to provide accurate commentary on the subject.
• Seek police confirmation of charges against the accused rather than relying solely on personal conversations with officers.
• Refrain from assuming or speculating on the feelings or statements of sources.
Focus of the Story
• In follow-up stories, address the broader implications of the incident while maintaining sensitivity.
• Focus on the issue of sexual violence itself rather than commenting on the activities of the survivor or the accused during the incident.
Confidentiality and Privacy:
• Share only necessary details to protect the identity of the survivor, witnesses, and their families.
• Avoid harassing the survivor, witnesses, or their families through repeated phone calls or unconsented visits to their homes.
By adhering to these guidelines, journalists can contribute to responsible and sensitive reporting on rape and sexual assault.
Responsible reporting on rape and sexual assault empowers the public to better understand the gravity of the crime and its impact on survivors and society as a whole.
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