The blame is always on the perpetrator, not the victim. Statements like "Police state a teen was raped by man" should be replaced with "Police state man raped a child". This puts the emphasis on the perpetrator of the crime.

Who is the subject of the story?

Make the offender the subject of sentences and the victim/survivor the object.  This is especially important in criminal cases involving children by assigning complete responsibility to the offender because children lack the legal capacity to consent.  Providing details about the attacker is relevant: physical description, how access was gained, whether a weapon was used, and if additional physical violence was involved (for example, the victim was incapacitated, held down, or blocked from leaving).

Portraying the victim/survivor

The language used reveals personal details and casts aspersions over the victim, placing them in greater harms way and discouraging others to come forward. Whether a victim was attractive, had previous sexual relations with the perpetrator, engaged in risky behaviour, dressed provocatively, or had a lot to drink, the responsibility and blame for a sexual assault lie with the person who perpetrated the offence. These examples harm the individual survivor and perpetuate sexual abuse.


Learn more about our CSAM Media guidelines for reporting on child sexual abuse.