This guidance provides editors and journalists with a framework for thinking through important questions related to the reporting of sexual offences and examples of relevant decisions by IPSO’s Complaints Committee.
Clause 2 - Privacy
Clause 4 - Intrusion into grief or shock
Clause 7 - Children in sex cases
Clause 9 - Reporting of Crime
Clause 11 - Victims of sexual assault
Other organisations offer guidance on reporting sexual offences that you may wish to consult:
Angles – A Different Take on Sexual and Domestic Abuse is an On Road Media project that brings media influencers together with people with experience of sexual violence and domestic abuse, and/or who work in the sector, promoting new content and a better understanding of the issues.
Resources
info@onroadmedia.org.uk or phone 020 3559 6764
Rape Crisis England & Wales is the umbrella body for a network of Rape Crisis Centres in England and Wales. These are women-led and offer support, advocacy, counselling and information in a women-only safe space. Some provide separate space for male sexual violence survivors
SurvivorsUK is a UK organisation supporting men who have experienced both childhood sexual abuse and adult sexual assault/rape. They are an inclusive service and welcome anyone who identifies as male, trans, non-binary, has identified as male in the past, or anyone who feels that they are the right fit for them.
info@survivorsuk.org or phone 020 3598 3898
The Survivors Trust is a UK-wide national umbrella agency for 130 specialist organisations which provide support for the impact of rape, sexual violence and childhood sexual abuse throughout the UK and Ireland.
info@thesurvivorstrust.org or phone 01788 550554
The IPSO podcast has an episode covering sexual offences:
The IPSO blog also covers the reporting of sexual offences:
IPSO Blog: Reporting sexual offences The importance of encouraging conversations about sexual violence and our new guidance and public information can support journalists and survivors.
The Independent Press Standards Organisation C.I.C. is a Community Interest Company limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales with registered number 02538908.
