Guide
Table of Contents
Section I
Victim Media Advocacy:
How to Facilitate Sensitive and Respectful Treatment of Crime Victims
Preface
a. Foreword
b. Publication Project Sponsors
c. Introduction
1. Crime Victims and Public Awareness
a. Policy Development and Implementation
b. Funding and Resource Development
2. Impact on Your Organization
a. System-Based Agencies
b. Case Coverage
c. Community-Based Organization
d. Citizen Volunteers
3. Educating the Media
a. About Victims’ Rights
b. About Trends and Data
4. Ethics
a. Referring Victims
b. Considerations for Providers
c. Media Codes of Ethics
5. Impact of Coverage Can Affect Victims
a. Benefits of Speaking to the Media
b. Risks of Speaking to the Media
6. Types of News Stories
a. Act I: Breaking News
b. Act II: Feature Stories
c. Act III: High-Impact Stories
7. Major Concerns of Coverage
a. Privacy
b. The Stigma of Victimization
c. Confidentiality
d. Language and Context
e. Inappropriate Timing
f. Aggressive or Intrusive Reporting
g. Ignoring Victim Wishes
h. Explicit Visuals
i. Inaccurate Reporting
8. Impact on Victims of Specific Crimes
a. Rape and Sexual Assault
b. Domestic Violence
c. Child Victimization
d. Homicide
e. Drunk Driving
10. Victim Privacy v. Media
a. Intrusion
b. Cameras in the Courtroom
c. Private Facts
d. False Light
11. The Role of Victim Service Providers
a. Case Coordination
b. The Victim’s Choice
12. Victim Referrals to the Media
13. Tips for Crime Victims and Survivors
a. Helping Victims Prepare
i. Preparation
ii. Explaining Editing to Victims
b. Tips for Media Interviews
c. During the Interview
d. Follow-Up
Section II
How to Build Positive Relations With the News Media
14. Types of News Media
a. Print Media
i. Daily Newspapers
ii. Weekly Newspapers
iii. Monthly Newspapers
iv. Magazines
b. Broadcast Media
i. Television
ii. Radio
iii. Wire Services
iv. Web-based Media
15. Organization Communication
16. Building Blocks
a. Outreach to Reporters
b. Getting to Know Reporters
c. Seeking Pro Bono Support
d. Tips on Approaching the Media
e. Tips for the Good Pitch
f. Turning Data into News
i. Resources for Current Data
g. Tools of the Trade
h. Document Your Successes
17. Guidelines for Media Interviews
18. Press Releases
a. Content
b. Format
20. Public Service Announcements
a. Format
b. Content
21. Letters-to-the-Editor
a. Editorial Guidelines
b. Writing Tips
22. Press Conferences
a. Press Conference Planning
b. Press Conference Logistics
c. Advance Outreach
d. Prepare a Press Kit
e. Follow-on Activities
25. Talk Shows
a. Introduction to Victim Psychology
b. Guidelines for Talk Shows & Crime Victim Guests
26. Developing a Media Plan
a. Goals of a Media Plan
b. Audience and Message
c. Medium
d. Key Activities
e. Resources
Appendices
I. Promising Practices
II. Media Contact Form
III. Glossary of Terms
IV. Endnotes
