VICTIMS AND THE MEDIA
Source: La Silla Rota
The media and its responsibility towards victims.
The relationship between the media and victims is a delicate terrain, where sensitivity, ethics and responsibility should be at the center of attention.
By Jaime Rochín
This is how this interesting article from La Silla Rota begins, from where we gather and highlight important concepts that are very useful for editors and journalists working in the media.
"Revictimization refers to the experience in which a person who has previously been a victim of trauma, abuse, violence or crime, faces situations, interactions or responses by institutions or individuals that re-cause harm, distress or emotional discomfort to them or their family members. In other words, it is when someone who has suffered a previous trauma or those close to them (indirect victims) are subjected to circumstances that rekindle feelings of vulnerability, anxiety, fear or shame associated with that traumatic experience.
Revictimization is found in the insensitive disclosure of details about the case, just as occurred in the examples mentioned at the beginning. If details of the victim's life are insensitively discussed or disclosed in public, additional pain is caused to the victim's loved ones and those close to the victim.
Also, it occurs when the story is misappropriated. This is when it is used for personal purposes or to promote an agenda without respecting the experience of the victims and without considering the feelings of their loved ones.
The relationship between the media and victims is a delicate terrain, where sensitivity, ethics and responsibility must be at the center of attention. The media have a fundamental responsibility to care for victims by reporting on sensitive situations. Their influence on public perception and the emotional impact of information is significant.
The media could shape public perception, influencing how society understands and reacts to traumatic events. The stories presented can generate empathy and solidarity, but they can also perpetuate stereotypes, sensationalism and revictimization. Therefore, it is crucial that you carefully consider how you present stories involving victims.
That is why victims should be treated with respect and empathy, avoiding disclosing sensitive or explicit details that may cause additional distress. In the coverage, special consideration should be given to age, gender, sexual orientation and gender identity and other aspects that may be relevant to the sensitivity of the situation.
In addition, the media should not exploit the suffering of victims for commercial purposes. The search for clicks or audience should not prevail over ethics and respect for the people affected. If they make mistakes in the coverage of traumatic situations, they should correct and rectify them in a transparent and prompt manner.
To avoid re-victimization by the media, journalists should receive training on how to approach sensitive stories and how to interact with victims with empathy and respect. Clear guidelines should also be established on how to handle cases involving victims, including how to obtain consent and how to protect the privacy of affected persons.
Allowing victims to tell their own stories is a way to respect and empower them by helping to avoid distorting the story.
In sum: the media play a critical role in giving voice to victims' stories, allowing their experiences to be shared and understood by a wider audience. In this process, it is essential to approach these stories with deep sensitivity and respect, recognizing that behind each account are families, complex emotions, and painful experiences.
By telling the stories of victims, the media could generate empathy, awareness, and a greater understanding of the difficulties they face. However, this narrative must be carefully constructed to avoid re-victimization and sensationalism, ensuring that victims' voices are elevated with dignity and respect. They certainly deserve it. "
