Here survivors explain how impactful reporting can make a difference

Claire Throssell MBE

In October 2014, Claire Throssell's two sons, Jack, 12, and nine-year-old Paul, were cruelly murdered by their own father after he lured them to the attic of the family home and set fire to the house.

Claire was a victim of physical, coercise and financial domestic abuse for 16 years.

After her children were murdered Claire campaigned for 11 years with Women's Aid and IDAS, working alongside the media, to change the law around 'presumption of contact' in the family courts.

Claire was a victim of physical, coercise and financial domestic abuse for 16 years.

In the videos, below, Claire explains why it is imperative journalists work ethically alongside survivors to help create positive change.

Media For Claire Throssell

Claire has spent over a decade building a stong relationship with the media, and now works with a list of journalists she trusts.

In a bid to have the laws changed around 'presumption of contact' Claire took part in several media interviews to highlight the importance of chaging the guidelines and culture in the family courts.

Here is a selection of articles Claire took part in.

This article in the Guardian was at the start of Claire's journey to have the laws changed. The Guardian agreed not to use an image of Claire's perpetrator, but instead ensured the focus was on her, and her two sons, Jack & Paul.

In June 2025, Claire announced the then upcoming publication of her book 'For My Boys' in the Daily Mirror in which she called on Keir Starmer to repeal 'presumption of contact'. The Daily Mirror followed Claire's request to only mention her perpetrator's name once, ensuring the attention of the article was not taken away from her.

Four months later, in October 2025, after endless campaigning by Claire, MP Marie Tidball and Women's Aid, Keir Starmer invited Claire to 10 Downing Street, with journalist, Michelle Rawlins, and announced he was repealing 'presumption of contact' and putting children's safety first in family court hearings. The Daily Mirror were the first to publish the story, which only happened due to Claire's ongoing relationship with journalist, Michelle Rawlins.

Journalists & the media are important

Here, Claire Throssell explains why she believes journalists and the media are fundamental in helping to change lives, laws and society. The media can give a voice to the voiceless and amplify the words of those who need it the most.

"This toolkit paves the way to reporting on an issue that affects all of society and handled correctly the articles produced may lead to lasting changes in the UK and across the world"

Claire Throssell MBE

Claire Throssell's Guide On How To Work With Suvivors Of Domestic Abuse

Survivor-centred Approach

Claire explains why it's important to make interviews survivor-centred, with the focus on the survivor, not the perpetrator.

This allows a suvivor, who has in the past had their control taken away from them, now feel in control.

Claire also explains why it is vital to discuss with a survivor what images are used. They may not feel happy to have images of their perpetrator used.

Survivors may not even want their perpetrator's name used, or if they do, like Claire, they may stipulate it is only used once.

Pre-Interview Research

It is imperative that journalists do their research before going into an interview with a survivor of domestic abuse.

As Claire explains that research will give you context and give you a basis of what questions to ask. Some of those questions will be difficult and very sensitive, so it's important to understand a survivor's experience, so they can be asked in a sympathetic and empathetic manner.

Good research will ensure a stronger piece of journalism.

How To Approach A Survivor

Survivors of domestic abuse will often be very nervous about agreeing to an interview. Due to what they have endured, they might be mistrusting, timid or naturally defensive.

As journalists, we are asking survivors to sharing a very personal and painful part of their lives wih us.

It is therefore important, as a journalist, when you are requesting a survivor to take part in an interview, to be clear and transparent about the angle of your article and how their lived-experience will be portrayed.

Care During An Interview

Interviews can be harrowing for both the survivor and the journalist, so it's fundamental they are carried out with care, understanding and empathy.

Support during an interview shows the survivor you really do care and that you aren't cold or unfeeling. Those interactions leave an impact on a survivor, which could stay with them for a long time after the interview is finished.

Also, take care of yourself as a journalist too. Journalists can be at risk of vicarious trauma, so it's important to be aware that you may need time to digest and unload what you have heard or seen.

Aftercare

Remember you are interviewing people who have been through some of the most traumatic times of their lives. When survivors agree to an interview they are often giving a way a part of their soul.

Reliving their experience can often re-traumatise survivors and send them back into a very dark place, so it's important to check in on them afterwards, via a phone call, message or email.

It also shows the survivor you care and will help to reassure them, as well as build a two-way relationship.

Building Trust With A Survivor

Survivors need to know a journalist is going to do their life story justice. Understandably a lot of survivors find it hard to trust people, but they are placing a level of trust in journalists to help them.

It can take time to build up that level of trust but it is possible and can lead to a long and pro-active relationship.

Once that trust has been built, as reporters we have a responsibilty to take a survivor's lived experience and create a piece that will have a positive impact and potentially make life-altering changes within society.

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