It is often the high-profile rape case that inspires the news media to review standards and practices. It's easy to see why. Celebrity magnifies attention to a crime, increasing competition, confusing news judgment and distorting coverage.
The crime of rape is surrounded by taboos. It evokes outrage, anger, fear and more violence. It is a horror to be raped, and another kind of horror to be accused of rape unjustly. Can the news media make things better? Or are we the fuel that feeds the fire?
The purpose of this statement of standards and practices is to make things better. We can improve our work by stating why journalists should tell the story of rape, and by emphasizing specific topics that should help shape news decisions. In formulating this standard, our mission is to:
- Help the public understand that rape is a common, mostly un-reported crime that exacts a devastating toll on victims, their families and entire communities.
- Help the public understand that, unlike the patterns seen in many high-profile cases, victims are usually young people (children or teenagers) who are raped or abused, not by strangers, but by the people who know them.
- Help create a society in which victims can find their voices and where justice is served.
- Find the balance between identifying accusers and protecting the vulnerable.
The Standard News organizations are obligated to report about rape and sexual assault beyond coverage inspired by specific news events. Journalists should ensure that citizens receive not just facts and trends, but the background and context that make news details meaningful. Newsrooms should provide staffers with training and help them understand how often rape occurs, how responsible institutions address the problem, and how to decide which sexual assaults to cover.
The Victims and The SurvivorsRape and sexual assault brand many victims with a stigma and shame that make this crime of violence different from other crimes, according to research and anecdotal evidence. Victims may seek and need a special degree of privacy and anonymity. While we understand the good intentions of those who seek to remove the social stigma of rape by routinely naming accusers and victims, we do not agree with them. We will not routinely name victims of sexual abuse without their consent. We will use caution when reporting stories to make sure the details do not identify a victim inadvertently. Research demonstrates that revealing the identity of rape survivors discourages other victims from reporting the crime.
- Reporters and editors should deliberately look for opportunities to tell stories of rape and sexual assault where the victims agree to be named.
- Journalists should contact adult victims whenever possible to offer them the choice of being named in news stories.
- Children and other particularly vulnerable victims deserve a special level of care.
- Publishing a victim's name against her or his will should be a rare exception, such as when the facts indicate a false accusation was made with malice.
The AccusedJournalists have an obligation to ensure fairness to the accused, recognizing that circumstances make this difficult.
- Every news organization should establish a set of clear criteria that would help journalists determine which rape cases should be reported to the public and how those events are covered. Two important elements elevate a specific crime to newsworthy status: 1) when there are clear concerns about public safety or 2) when a breach of trust suggests the possibility of more victims.
When the accused is named and the accuser remains anonymous, journalists should give special attention to where or how the story is played, how photos and other images are used and the language in headlines, teasers and pull quotes.
- A case should not be reported if the newsroom cannot report the outcome.
- Stories about acquittals or dismissal of charges should be played prominently.
The SystemJournalists should embrace their role as watchdogs of important systems and institutions. When it comes to rape and sexual assault, this means holding law enforcement and judicial systems accountable. It also means monitoring other powerful professions and institutions, such as schools, religious groups, medical practitioners, teachers, counselors and others who exert power or influence over children and other vulnerable people.
