Tips for Covering Rape: What the Media Should Do
1. Present an accurate portrayal of the frequency of the crime.
2. Avoid describing details that reinforce stereotypes.
3. Include details that may help others.
4. Include details that communicate the seriousness of the crime.
5. Name agencies that are available to help survivors.
Adapted from William Coté and Roger Simpson, Covering Violence: A Guide to Ethical Reporting about Victims and Trauma, New York, Columbia University Press, 2000.
See, also the Dart Center Web Site at www.dartcenter.org