Tips for reporting on domestic, family and sexual violence
Journalists reporting on domestic, family and sexual violence can help raise awareness of the scale and impacts of the issues. Their reporting can also challenge existing attitudes and behaviours that support violence.
Below are some tips on how to take a trauma-informed approach to reporting.
Ensure victim-survivor safety
Leave out specific details that risk identifying victim-survivors. In First Nations or migrant communities, or rural and regional areas, it may be easy to identify a person even when measures are taken to de-identify them.
Name the violence
Name the violence when legally possible. Terms such as ‘violence against women’, ‘family violence’, ‘coercive control’ or ‘sexual assault’ help the audience understand that the issue is widespread, not just random or isolated acts. Don’t use terms that minimise or trivialise violence.
Keep the person using violence in view
Use active language to emphasise that someone committed the violence if legal possible, for example, man assaults woman. Name the current or previous relationships between the victim-survivor and the person using violence. Don’t make excuses for their actions.
Use respectful language
Use respectful, appropriate language and headlines. Don’t exaggerate or make light of violence, or use unnecessary or graphic details, or references or puns that are not appropriate. Avoid stereotypes which reinforce myths about the causes of violence.
Use evidence
Women and their children are overly affected by domestic and sexual violence. Where legally possible, include relevant statistics to show the scale of the issue and to provide context. Many people do not report to police so recorded data does not reflect the true scale of the issue.
Talk to experts
Don’t focus solely on the voices of police, the legal profession and people who use violence. Ensure sector advocates, academics, people with lived experience and from more diverse communities get a chance to speak.
Know the legal restrictions
Be aware of laws, court orders or legal rules and processes which might restrict or impact how and what you can report. If you are unsure about any legal aspects of your reporting, seek legal advice as early as possible. Ensure reports on court proceedings are fair and accurate.
Use appropriate imagery
Avoid images that are graphic, make victim-survivors seem powerless or promote stereotypes about gender, race, disability, sexuality or age. Ensure images don’t identify victim-survivors if they don’t consent or there are legal proceedings. Don’t use inappropriate social media images.
Include support options
Always provide details about support available for those seeking help, including people who use violence.
Self-care for media
Journalists reporting on traumatic events should keep their own mental health in mind. Seek support from trusted colleagues, inhouse employee assistance programs, private practitioners or trauma counsellors available through 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732). Phone: 13 QGOV (13 74 68)
Source: National media reporting guidelines, Our Watch Limited (2019).