The University of Canberra was commissioned to develop the series based on evidence
The attorney-general's department has released a series of guides aimed at supporting responsible reporting on child sexual abuse and empowering victims and survivors engaging with the media.
The attorney-general's department acknowledged that the role of media in breaking the silence surrounding child sexual abuse cannot be underestimated; however, reporting on child sexual abuse incidents presents numerous complexities and sensitivities that can be challenging for journalists and presenters.
The University of Canberra produced a series of comprehensive guides to help journalists and presenters report on child sexual abuse cases. The newly launched guide emphasises the importance of fostering community awareness about child sexual abuse, promoting education, reducing stigma, and empowering victims and survivors.
The guide for victims and survivors of child sexual abuse recognises that sharing experiences with the media can empower, encourage others to come forward, increase community awareness and generate legal and policy change. However, it can also cause further hurt and trauma. The University of Canberra's guides were developed based on extensive research, including a thorough literature review and detailed analysis of media reporting on child sexual abuse.
More than 100 individuals, including victims and survivors, advocates, media professionals, and policy and research staff, were consulted to ensure a comprehensive approach to developing the media guides.
The government expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to the development of these guides, particularly the staff at the News and Media Research Centre at the University of Canberra, individuals who provided valuable feedback, and the National Strategy Advisory Group on the National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Child Sexual Abuse 2021-2030.
