Cases involving sexual violence are often reported in the local press. In a small community like ours, these stories can feel particularly close to home. Reporting can feel intrusive, distressing or retraumatising for the survivor concerned and can also be upsetting when you know someone involved or are supporting a friend or family member, particularly when details are shared publicly and you have no control over how this is represented or how others respond to it.

You don’t need to be connected to the case for reporting to affect you. Reading or hearing about someone else’s experience of sexual or gender-based violence can also bring up difficult memories, feelings or reactions. You may find the details distressing, recognise similarities with your own experiences, or feel that the way details are shared reflects wider attitudes towards sexual violence and survivors.

If you’re affected by reporting in the media

However a news story has affected you, your feelings are valid and support is available.

We’re here to support anyone affected by sexual violence and if a news story has impacted you, affected your sense of safety or left you feeling exposed, you don’t have to navigate this alone. If you’d like to talk about how you’re feeling or explore what support we might be able to offer, please get in touch by email at contact@compasscentre.org or phone on 01595 747174 (9.00-1.30 Mon – Thurs)

You can also contact Rape Crisis Scotland, who offer confidential support by phone, text, email and webchat. Their helpline is open every day from 5pm until midnight.

Thinking about reporting sexual violence, but worried about media coverage?

If you’re thinking about reporting your own experiences of sexual violence to the police but feel worried about what might happen if your case is reported in the media, then this is understandable. You might also be concerned about your privacy, being identified in a small community, or seeing details about your experiences discussed publicly.

We can provide information and guidance about what making a report to the police might involve so that you can make the decision that feels right for you. You can speak to one of our advocacy workers about your concerns and they can answer any questions you might have about the criminal justice process and media reporting. They can help you to explore your options, understand what support may be available and think through what might help you feel safer.

You can also find out more about what may be reported in the media. Media reporting rules can be complicated, and what can be published depends on the circumstances of the case and the stage of the legal process. An advocacy worker can explore your questions with you and help identify where to get accurate information.

You don’t have to make a decision about reporting to the police before reaching out to us for support and we’ll never pressure you to make a report at any stage of your journey. We’ll be guided by you and will support you regardless of what you decide is best for you.

I’m concerned about a news story – what can I do?

It can feel upsetting and frustrating to read or see a news story that you feel is misrepresentative or harmful. The responsibility for reporting sexual violence ethically and sensitively lies with the media and you’re not responsible for challenging harmful reporting, but we understand that you may wish to take action if this has affected you. We’ve outlined some steps that you might wish to consider.

1. Pause before engaging online

Avoid liking, sharing or commenting on reporting that you believe is harmful. Engaging with a post can increase its reach, even when your intention is to challenge it. You can also mute, unfollow or report content on social media if this would help protect your wellbeing.

2. Look after yourself first

It can be hard to switch off from media activity, particularly online, but consider taking a break from reading, watching or discussing a story if it’s having a negative impact on you. Temporarily stepping away from news and social media, talking to someone you trust or seeking support can help.

3. Contact the news outlet

You can raise your concerns directly with the newspaper, journalist or editor. You might explain what you believe is harmful about the reporting and ask them to review the article, correct an inaccuracy or consider the impact of their language.

4. Make a complaint to a press regulator

The Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) considers complaints about newspapers, magazines and digital news sites that it regulates. You can check whether a news outlet or publication is covered and find out how to complain on the IPSO website.

You could ask someone you trust to help you with a complaint or if the reporting concerns you personally and you’re receiving support from us, we can also talk this through with you and help you to make a complaint.