Guidelines for journalists on how to report ethically & impactfully on domestic abuse
Here, Hollie Venn, CEO of Sheffield Women's Aid, who has over two decades experience working in the domestic abuse field, talks about why it is fundamental we talk about the topic, to reduce the stigma and ensure that survivors feel less isolated and have representation in the media.
It is a systemic issue. One in four women experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, 2.5 women on average are killed each week as a result of domestic abuse.
Language
The language we use when reporting on domestic abuse must be considered carefully. Terms such as 'victim' can have negative and damaging connotations.
In this video, domestic abuse campaigner and media consultant, Teresa Parker, explains why, as journalists, it is fundamental we get this right.
Interviewing Techniques
For a survivor of domestic abuse, talking to a journalist can feel incredibly daunting. There are several ways we can put surviors at ease, though, to help them through the process.
Listen to Emma Bray, CEO of I Choose Freedom, explain how journalists can work with survivors to support them through an interview.
Survivors of domestic abuse have been through a huge amount of trauma and understandably often struggle to build new trusting relationships. In many, if not all, cases those survivors have had any element of control taken away from them.
As journalists it is imperative we build meaningful and impactful relationships with survivors of domestic abuse if we want them to work with us. Here Emma Bray, CEO of I Choose Freedom, explains how that trust can be created.
Images
As journalists we know pictures and imagery are a fundamental part of our storytelling. However, when reporting on domestic abuse careful consideration must be taken when asking survivors for images to support our journalism. Domestic abuse campaigner and media consultant, Teresa Parker, explains why, as journalists, it is fundamental we don't cause more harm by asking or selecting pictures that could create further trauma and damage. Instead we should choose photographs that empower survivors.
Published articles, that are well thought out, and impactfully tell a survivor's story are incredibly important, in helping to create positive change and ensuring other survivor's don't feel alone. But we must also ensure every article signposts survivors to help, so those in need know exactly where to go if they need support or to escape a dangerous situation. Here Carmel Offord from IDAS, explains the vital and life changing difference this can make.