Sexual violence -- including rape, child sexual abuse, and sexual harassment -- is a complicated topic to understand. There are many fears, myths, and stereotypes that abound. We understand that reporting on these topics is a difficult task and we appreciate the media’s commitment to doing so with integrity. As a result, the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) has created a packet for journalists about reporting on sexual violence.
As members of the media, journalists play a critical role in illuminating the truth for people. Well-written, fact-based stories that place a particular incident in a broader context can go a long way toward educating the public. A well-informed public can help ensure appropriate responses and services for victims, can provide accountability and treatment for those who abuse others, and can strengthen the prevention strategies of organizations and communities. This fact sheet presents some basic statistics on sexual violence and its prevalence.
The full Media Packet offers six resources will answer common questions related to sexual violence.
Publish Date
2013, 2015