Reporting on sexual abuse, assault, and harassment
Sexual violence is a serious public health problem. These guidelines for media coverage of sexual abuse, assault, and harassment were developed by experts to support accurate reporting on these topics. Journalists play a crucial role in educating the public and empowering our communities to stop sexual violence before it occurs.
The way we talk about sexual abuse, assault, and harassment impacts how these issues are understood and responded to. Accurate information is needed to dispel myths, stereotypes, and misinformation. Acts of sexual violence should be described with neutral language that does not blame the victim. The following resources help journalists tell stories that illuminate these issues in the broader context of public health to help people better understand the causes of and solutions for sexual violence.
Learn the basics
Reporting on Sexual Violence
This tip sheet, created in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, includes background information, statistics, definitions, language considerations, and additional resources for journalists reporting on sexual violence.