Protecting survivors and the public interest when reporting on sexual allegations

Coverage of sexual violence and abuse has been dominating the news this week, raising important questions about media reporting and its impact on those affected. For people who have experienced sexual violence, this coverage can be particularly distressing, including bringing back painful experiences or affecting their mental health and wellbeing.

Reporting on allegations also raises difficult editorial questions when the accused discloses suicidal intent in connection with proposed media coverage.

How can journalists appropriately respond to this, while pursuing legitimate public-interest reporting and recognising the impact on those affected? Suicide prevention and accountability are not mutually exclusive.

Those who choose to share their experiences should be treated with dignity and respect, and we must recognise that many survivors may never disclose what has happened to them. Women are disproportionately affected by sexual violence, but people of all genders can experience abuse, and all deserve support without judgement.

People who have experienced sexual violence or abuse should feel safe and supported, whether or not they choose to disclose or report their experiences. Everyone deserves compassion, respect and support without judgement. Responsibility for abuse lies with those who perpetrate it and the organisations and institutions responsible for safeguarding and accountability.

As a suicide prevention charity, our concern is for everyone affected, including those whose suicidal thoughts may never have been expressed publicly or brought to anyone's attention.

Journalists should not feel deterred from reporting on cases where there is a clear public interest to do so. The key is to report responsibly, adhering to editorial codes of practice and media guidelines.

Any media story covering a sensitive issue can affect those directly involved as well as audiences who may be reminded of their own personal experiences. Journalists and broadcasters covering these stories should approach them sensitively, considering the wellbeing of everyone affected.

Some important points for journalists to bear in mind when approaching a story include:

• Stick to the necessary or known facts, using sensitive language and avoiding speculation and sensationalism – neither have a helpful role to play here.
• Consider the volume of coverage. Weigh up what is necessary to report and whether the volume and repetition best serves the public interest – bearing in mind the significant impact on people with similar personal experiences, including those who may be at risk of suicide.
• Cover the important points audiences need to be aware of in the aftermath of such cases coming to light – how and where people can find support and encourage help-seeking for those who may have been affected by the piece. Whatever this brings up for people, they need to know there is always someone who will listen and support them. Nobody should feel they have to go through this alone.

Any disclosure of suicidal intent should be taken seriously and the person making it should always be signposted to appropriate support.

However, this should not in itself determine whether to publish a story or name an individual. This editorial decision should be based on careful consideration serving the public interest and the wellbeing of everyone affected, recognising that survivors may themselves be experiencing significant distress or suicidal thoughts that may not have been publicly expressed.

While suicide is complex and rarely the result of a single cause, if you are a journalist and a person discloses their own suicide risk to you, there are steps you can take; you should signpost them to sources of support such as Samaritans’ helpline which is available 24/7 365 days a year.

If they are in immediate danger, you should encourage them to call 999 or go to their nearest A&E.