Reporting on Child Abuse Cases: Resources for the Media

Navigating how to report on this difficult topic can be extremely complex, but resources are available to help.

Child sexual abuse is unfortunately a pervasive issue in the United States and beyond. Keeping our children and youth safe is of the utmost importance. Journalists, producers, directors, editors, and others hold the power to influence the actions (or inactions) of viewers and readers. Navigating how to report on this difficult topic can be extremely complex, but resources are available to help make your story informative. We are therefore providing the below information which may be helpful to report on and/or produce a piece on child sexual abuse.

The Impact of Public Disclosures

Before drafting a story, consider the following issues:

Will details of the report inadvertently disclose the identity of the victim? (Ex. John Doe is charged with sexual abuse. Investigators say the victim is his stepdaughter/niece/girlfriend’s son).
Will revealing a child’s identity, even with the permission of the parent or guardian, adversely impact the child in the future?
What is the viewer benefit of knowing all the facts of the case? Are some details too heinous?
Are you using the correct, legal terminology for the crime?
- See the NCA/CAC Style Guide and Mission Kids Master Acronym List

Effective Story Angles

In order to prevent the story from compromising any court case, consider expanding the story to include the impact of abuse and possible solutions. For example, consider:

Community Prevention Efforts

Talking to your local CAC, Child Protective Services, and/or law enforcement about how the community is working to prevent child abuse. Mission Kids is the CAC for Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

The Impact of Childhood Trauma Later in Life

Speaking to a mental health professional specializing in childhood trauma and evidence-based treatment, to discuss how this type of abuse could impact a child later in life. For recommendations on mental health professionals in Southeastern Pennsylvania, please contact:

Mission Kids Child Advocacy Center
(484) 687-2990
info@missionkidscac.org

Chief Executive Officer, External and Global Affairs: Abbie Newman
Chief Executive Officer, Services and Operations: Leslie Slingsby

Mandatory Reporting Laws

Exploring who is covered under mandatory reporting laws in the applicable state, why, and what can happen to those who violate this law.

PA Child Protective Services Law (CPSL)
Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse and Neglect: state-by-state guide

Resources for Survivors

Looking into survivors’ networks and resources available for the victim and the victims’ family.

Mission Kids’ Resource Suggestions for kids, teens, and families
Southeastern PA, Pennsylvania State, and National Organizations Guide

Crime Data

Seeking information about the number of cases the local police department or prosecutor sees in a year or month, to get a feel for the prevalence of this time of crime in the community.

Prevention Initiatives

Requesting further information from a local CAC about what the average person can do to help prevent child abuse.

How Investigations Work

Researching how CACs investigate reports of child maltreatment from the moment an allegation of abuse is made. Contact:

Mission Kids Child Advocacy Center
(484) 687-2990
info@missionkidscac.org

Chief Executive Officer: Abbie Newman
Executive Director: Leslie Slingsby

Guidelines for Journalists Reporting on Children

Adapted from UNICEF’s Guidelines for Journalists Reporting on Children

6 Over-arching Principles

The six key principles crucial to any story involving children are:

Respect the dignity and rights of every child in every circumstance
In reporting on children, pay special attention to each child’s right to privacy and confidentiality and to be protected from harm and retribution
Protect the best interests of each child over any other consideration, including advocacy for children’s issues and the promotion of child rights
When trying to determine the best interests of a child, give due weight to the child’s right to have their views taken into account in accordance with their age and maturity
Consult those closest to the child’s situation and best able to assess it about the political, social, and cultural ramifications of any reportage
Do not publish a story or an image that might put the child, their siblings or peers at risk, even when their identities are changed, obscures, or not used.

7 Guidelines for Reporting on Children

There are seven guidelines for reporting on children that all journalists should keep in mind:

Do not further stigmatize any child; avoid categorizations or descriptions that expose a child to negative reprisals – including additional physical or psychological harm, or to lifelong abuse, discrimination, or rejection by their local communities
Always provide an accurate context for the child’s story or image
Always change the name and obscure the identity of any child who is identified as a victim of sexual abuse or exploitation, a perpetrator of physical or sexual abuse, HIV positive or living with AIDS, or charged/convicted of a crime
In certain circumstances of risk or potential risk of harm or retribution, change the name and obscure the visual identity of any child who is identified as a current or former child combatant, asylum seeker, refugee, or internally displaced person
In certain cases, using a child’s identity (their name and/or recognizable image) is in the child’s best interests. However, when the child’s identity is used, they must still be protected against harm and supported in the event of any stigmatization or reprisals
- This should only happen in very specific circumstances. The best practice is to never include identifying information of a child unless absolutely necessary. When this is the case, journalists should receive express written confirmation, and communicate with a local CAC or other agency, to ensure it is safe to do so, and will not compromise any investigation or treatment
Confirm the accuracy of the story you are reporting on
When in doubt about whether a child is at risk, report on the general situation for children rather than on an individual child, no matter how newsworthy the story

The Importance of Self-Care Practices

You will likely become personally impacted by a story. Details included in testimony or court documents show the ugliest side of humanity.

Mission Kids encourages you to partake in the below self-care practices provided by The Dart Center to mitigate the risk of PTSD, depression, and substance abuse as a result of vicarious trauma:

Defuse with someone you trust
Monitor for delayed reactions
Maintain normal activities and routines, but slow down
Seek professional help if distress continues 3 to 4 weeks after assignment.
If an assignment leaves a journalist feeling too vulnerable, management should support the journalist’s decision to request an unrelated assignment