National Sexual Violence Resource Center - Info & Stats for Journalists Talking with Survivors Sexual violence is a complex topic, and journalists reporting on it should be aware that the process can be different from reporting on other crime-related stories. Some survivors may want to talk with the media, while others may not. Remember this is a social justice issue, so there are plenty of story angles and not all include interviewing survivors. Regardless of the angle, infusing stories with data and background information puts this issue into context. Privacy concerns Traditionally, victims’ names — regardless of age — are not revealed in order to protect their privacy. According to The Associated Press Stylebook, privacy means reporters, “do not identify juveniles (under 18) who are accused of crimes, even if other news media do so or police release names. Also, do not transmit images that would reveal their identity. Do not identify, in text or through images, juveniles (under 18) who are witnesses to crimes. Do not identify, in text or through images, persons who say they have been sexually assaulted, and use discretion in naming victims of other extremely severe abuse. Sometimes a person may be identified by AP in an abduction or manhunt situation, and it develops later that — because of a sexual assault or other reason – the name should not be used. AP may also consider identifying the victim of a sexual assault if the individual comes forward publicly and agrees to be identified.” News organizations should have a policy on this, and be sure the entire staff knows about the policy. In addition, be mindful of accidentally revealing a survivor’s identity through other details in your story such as photos, addresses or names of family/relatives. The effects of trauma Survivors of sexual violence have experienced trauma, and each person reacts differently to trauma. Many never talk about what happened to them, or they may wait months or years to talk about it. On the other hand, some survivors will disclose immediately. Be mindful of the resilience, strength, and uniqueness of each person’s response. The effects of sexual violence and trauma can also impact loved ones, communities, institutions, workplaces and schools. Also, be aware of the impact that the story might have on you. People working closely with this topic can experience secondary trauma. Take care of yourself and reach out for help if you need it. Potential triggers Certain situations, photos, words, sounds and smells can trigger memories from a survivor’s assault and this can be very traumatizing. For example, a survivor could see a photo of the place where they were assaulted, and the photo becomes associated with the events that occurred there. Be mindful not to intentionally trigger victims of sexual violence. Initial conversations Before you begin reporting, talk with victim advocates and staff at local rape crisis centers to gain information. Many trained sexual assault counselors/advocates want to talk with reporters, because they know this is so much more than a crime story. Be proactive and cultivate relationships with experts. Actively maintain these relationships for insight and story ideas throughout the year. Be adaptable. Talking routinely with advocates and service providers could reveal new story angles that are worth exploring. Some survivors may want to speak with a reporter, while others may not want to be interviewed by the media. If a survivor wants to tell their story allow them to do so in their own way, in their own words and in their own time. Be honest and don’t pressure them. Ask how the survivor would like to be identified. Sometimes people want to be fully identified. Sometimes they don’t want to be known as a victim, but as a survivor. It is important to have multiple conservations with survivors and get to know them. Listen and build a rapport with each other. Let the survivor share the amount of information that they are comfortable in sharing. It takes immense bravery to share these details. In some cases, trauma can be eased by talking about the positive impact they’ll have by sharing their stories. The interview process Talk with survivors to determine when and where the interview will take place. Be flexible if they change their minds. Be transparent and answer any questions that arise such as, When will the interview air/publish? Will photos/video be taken? How long will coverage last? During the interview, journalists can support survivors by having a therapist or a trained sexual assault counselor/advocate present. Reporters can help survivors feel more comfortable, by explaining the interview process. If the survivor wants to do an on-camera interview, introduce him/her to staff that will be assisting with the recording. Allow the survivor time to meet everyone and get comfortable. As you’re reporting, check in with survivors to update them of any changes and inform them when the interview will air/publish. After the interview publishes/airs, follow up with survivors to see how they’re doing since the media coverage. Questions & language choices While it is important to provide context for an incident, a reporter needs to be aware that the way a setting, or a person’s clothing are described can unintentionally assign guilt to the victim. Avoid questioning ‘why,’ because this can be viewed as victim-blaming and suggest that the victim somehow provoked the incident. Be mindful of this, because victims of sexual violence are never to blame for what happened to them. Instead ask open-ended, non- judgmental questions that allow survivors to share their stories. Often in news stories, the words are too vague, or they can imply things that didn’t actually happen. A victim of sexual violence doesn’t “perform oral sex.” A victim doesn’t “kiss” a perpetrator. These things suggest that the victim willingly participated. Also be careful how offenders are described. Labeling perpetrators as “monsters” set them apart from the rest of society, and it implies a “them versus us” dynamic. Such labels can hinder people from reporting suspicions they may have about someone, because it challenges their concept of how ‘good people’ do ‘bad things.’ Human beings are complex, and no one is 100% good or 100% bad. Reporters should always try to use the most accurate language possible. © National Sexual Violence Resource Center 2013. All rights reserved.