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• Use accurate language: Rape or assault is not "sex." A pattern of abuse is not an "affair."
• Avoid language that suggests the victim is somehow to blame for the crime.
• It may take time to build trust with victims and family members. Explain the type of story you're planning to write. Show old clips of stories you're proud of.
• Consider letting victims read portions of your story before publication. After reading — and seeing evidence of your intentions — they may decide to share more of their story with you.
• When describing the assault, try to strike a balance when deciding how much graphic detail to include. Too much can be gratuitous; too little can weaken the victim's case.
• Include information that can help others avoid assault.
• Provide contact information for agencies that assist survivors and their families.
Dart Center Resources
• "Rape in a Small Town." Kate Bramson (The Providence Journal) discusses the story behind the 2004 Dart Award-winning article.
• "Investigating Mental Health and Trauma." Kristen Lombardi of The Boston Phoenix discusses covering the Boston clergy sexual abuse story in a panel discussion at the 2004 IRE Annual Conference.
• "Abuse in the Catholic Church." A Dart Center interview with members of the Boston Globe's Pulitzer Prize-winning team.
• "Naming the Victims of Rape: Why it Hurts, What Can Help," by Migael Scherer. "The media has the power to dispel the myths about rape, heighten awareness, and mobilize men and women to take action," Scherer writes.
Links & Sources
• "Sexual Assault against Females," A National Center for PTSD Fact Sheet. It defines sexual assault among females and gives an overview of its immediate and long-term effects.
• "Men and Sexual Trauma," A National Center for PTSD Fact Sheet. It defines sexual assault among males and gives an overview of its immediate and long-term effects.
• "Child Sexual Abuse," A National Center for PTSD Fact Sheet. It details the effects of sexual abuse on children, and adults exposed to sexual abuse as children.
• The Boston Phoenix's coverage of the clergy sexual abuse story.
• "Telling the Truth About Rape," Poynter Online. A series of essays by journalists exploring the coverage of sexual assault.
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