Sexual violence and the media
This section is intended for journalists, news media professionals, public speakers, and journalism and communications students. The best practices presented in this section can serve as guidelines for these target audiences and support them in their work.
It should be stressed that these practices cannot always be applied. Depending on the subject, case or event covered, the type of report and its objectives, and the constraints specific to the field of journalism, choices may have to be made.
The news media is one of the main sources consulted by the public for information about sexual violence. It can contribute to the public's understanding of this issue by highlighting the manifestations, risk factors, and consequences of sexual violence (Understanding sexual violence). It can also highlight the scale of the problem (Sexual violence statistics) and provide information on the resources available to help victims.
A number of practices recommended by several national and international organizations facilitate appropriate media coverage of sexual violence. They aim to avoid harming victims and survivors, and their friends and family. Seven best practices were identified:
- Presenting the complexity and scope of sexual violence
- Contextualizing the facts reported when covering a case of sexual violence
- Respecting the laws and legal parameters surrounding judicial coverage
- Varying on different points of view to provide information about the case covered, such as interviewing people who are experts on the subject
- Using appropriate, neutral, and precise vocabulary
- Using appropriate images and videos
- Raising awareness of support resources and encouraging people to seek help
For more information, see the Best practices for covering sexual violence in the media section.
The news media can reflect and influence social norms. These norms refer to the rules of conduct and behaviour expected within a group or society. Through the way in which information is disseminated to the public, the media can help shape the public's ideas and perceptions on a given subject. For example, by highlighting the scope, factors, and consequences of sexual violence, the media can help raise public awareness of this issue and change attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors surrounding it.
Media coverage of sexual violence can have positive consequences for victims and survivors, and for society in general. For example, it can:
- Improve the public’s understanding of sexual violence
- Encourage victims and survivors to seek help
However, inappropriate media coverage can have negative consequences, such as
- Reinforcing social norms that promote gender discrimination and normalize violence
- Leading to further trauma for victims and survivors
For more information, see the Media and sexual violence prevention section.
The terms “victim” and “survivor” refer to people who have experienced or are experiencing sexual violence. They may identify with both “victim” and “survivor”, with one or the other, or with neither. The neutral, generic word "person" is also used to refer to any human being, regardless of gender, and to emphasize that the individual with such an experience is not defined solely by their status as a victim or survivor of sexual violence.
See box “How to refer to the victim and survivor”
Authors: Maude Lachapelle, Scientific Advisor, INSPQ | Cynthia Nasr, Scientific Advisor, INSPQ
Contributors: Dominique Gagné, Scientific Advisor, INSPQ | Richard Daigle, Information Officer, INSPQ | Amélie Daoust-Boisvert, Assistant Professor, Department of Journalism at Concordia University
External review: Karine Mac Donald, Criminologist and Communications and Public Relations Coordinator for the CAVAC Network | Malorie Comtois, Social Worker and Clinical Specialist in Sexual Violence at Juripop