Our idea of reality depends a lot on the way news, opinions, reports, documentaries or simply entertainment content tell us things.
Our vision of life depends on what we see, hear and read in the media. It is necessary to know how to apply in this area basic questions of professional deontological codes; respect for the dignity and privacy of the victims, no justification for the crime or justification for the offender.
“Any sexual act, the attempt to consummate a sexual act, unwanted sexual comments or innuendoes, or actions to commercialize or otherwise use a person’s sexuality through coercion by another person, regardless of their relationship with the victim, in any environment, including the home and the workplace”. (OMS, 2013).
Sexual violence can be physical or psychological. It can be perpetrated against men, women or children of any age. This includes rape and is one of the most traumatic experiences that any human being can experience.
Talking about this topic increases stress levels. By telling the story, survivors may even re-experience some of the same emotions they felt at the time of being attacked.
Learn about the causes and possible effects of sexual violence. Investigate local conditions and circumstances. But once you have done your research, leave it out. No matter how much you know about it, you can never predict how a particular individual experienced the events that happened to them and how they can react to remembering them.
Use the correct words. Rape or assault is not “sex”. Abuse is not an affair. Rape or sexual assault is in no way associated with normal sexual activity. Many people who have experienced sexual violence do not like to be described as a “victim” unless they use that word themselves. Many people prefer the word “survivor”.
Respect the interviewees’ right to say no. No one should be forced to speak in detail about an event as traumatic as rape. Not everyone is in the right place to talk about it.
In most cases when the victim is a woman, she will feel more comfortable being interviewed by another woman. If that is not possible, a co-worker should be next to the interviewer, even if she is very sensitive.
Be clear and realistic. Do not force, coax, offer compensation, or suggest that an interview with you will bring more help to the victim and / or military intervention in the conflict.
Ask yourself if the act of approaching the victim would risk the victim’s safety and privacy.
Identify yourself clearly and never pretend not to be a journalist. By explaining the type of story you are planning to write, it will help build trust, and the result will be a better story.
If you speak through a translator, please inform me before the basics described here.
Tell your interviewee in advance how long it takes for the interview. Cutting without warning to a victim, while describing a traumatic experience, can cause profound harm.
The secret to a good interview is to actively listen without judging. It sounds simple, but it is a skill that requires a lot of time and effort to develop.
Don’t underestimate details that are traumatic, pay attention to what is said.
Sexual violence is associated with high levels of guilt and shame. For this reason, avoid any terms that could blame the victim.
Don’t be surprised if the victim’s stories only make partial sense. Survivors of sexual violence are often ’emotionally’ shut down, their memories become fragmented, and in some cases, they can even block the memory of an event entirely.
Never say, “I know how you feel.” You do not know. Instead, you might say, “I appreciate how difficult it is for you.”
Be sure to bring the conversation back to the present moment, to a safe and comfortable conversation for the interviewee.
Be available for contact after your report has been published or transmitted. If you tell him that he is going to send you a copy or recording of what he has written or broadcast, keep your word.
When describing an assault, try to find a balance when deciding how much graphic detail to include.
Anticipate the impact of the post. Journalists have a responsibility to do everything possible to avoid exposing the interviewee to more abuse, or undermining their prestige in the community.
Let survivors read parts of your story before publication, as it can lessen the impact of public exposure and help detect errors in the story.
After reading the story and seeing the evidence of your intentions, they may decide to share more of their story with you.
Recheck if you risk jeopardizing the anonymity of your information sources. In the final edition, leave no clues that could identify the person, details such as career, age, and place serve as pieces of the puzzle, and may allow identification of the victim. Do not show the victim’s face and clothing in photographs and on film.
Reporting on sexual violence requires special care and sensitivity of greater ethics. Specialized interviewing skills, an understanding of the law, and a basic awareness of the psychological impact of trauma are required.
In ERP Lawyers we have a team of professionals willing to provide the advice and support required in these cases. Our attorneys will guide you throughout the process. Contact us today for ethical and responsible advice.
