News coverage on sexual violence must be done ethically
SHAH ALAM - It is pertinent for media practitioners at present time to exercise ethical communication when reporting and writing news related to sexual violence.
This was the focal point of the workshop jointly organised by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Sinar Karangkraf.
Themed Sexual Violence in Armed Conflict: A Perspective on Ethical Communication, Valentina Codeluppi, the ICRC's regional sexual violence adviser, stated that media practitioners must not only adopt social responsibility but also ensure proper ethics when covering sexual violence in the news.
She added that this is to ensure that they not only raise awareness about sexual violence through their news stories, but also prioritise survivor safety, rights, and interests, because sexual violence affects people of all gender identities and sexual orientations.
Codeluppi said the media could contribute positively to addressing the issue of sexual violence by taking a survivor-centred approach.
"Media practitioners should take a survivor-centred approach when reporting stories of sexual violence victims, where emphasis is given on the crime itself but not so much on the victim as it would further traumatise them," she said during the workshop conducted at Karangkraf headquarters, here on Tuesday.
Further, she said there were many things to consider when interviewing the victim.
"Media practitioners should not straightaway jump to what happened when they were abused, what they were wearing, or what they did that instigated the crime. Asking these kinds of questions would only make them feel guilty and responsible for the incident.
"Remember, these victims are already in a fragile situation, mentally and physically. We shouldn't push them to feel even worse," she said, adding that instead of jumping right into the act, get them to feel comfortable first by asking questions that will make them feel good.
The media's role in reporting cases or topics on sexual violence was largely to raise awareness, highlight the consequences, and disseminate information on where and how to get help for those who were in need.
"News reports could also influence the behaviour of perpetrators or potential perpetrators, as well as reduce stigma for the victims," she added.
She also stressed that the media must consider how their work may affect the survivors' rights.
"The media must focus on positive stories of empowerment and resilience as they may help to show how survivors can be actors of change, advocacy, and empowerment," she said.
