DEALING WITH THE MEDIA
In some cases, victims may also find themselves facing the
attention of the media. Some individuals may experience negative emotional,
mental or legal effects when dealing with the media. It is important to know
that you have rights when you are asked by the media to talk about your experience.
The National Center for Victims of Crime provides the following
guidelines for victims who choose to talk with the media. (Crime Victims and
the News Media by Anne Seymour and Linda Lawrence, 1988, pp. 7-10, National
Victim Center, Fort Worth, Texas.).
VICTIMS HAVE THE RIGHT:
- To say "no" to an interview.
- To select the spokesperson or advocate of their choice.
- To select the time and location for media interviews.
- To request a specific reporter
- To refuse an interview with a specific reporter even
though you have granted interviews to other reporters.
- To say "no" to an interview even though you
have previously granted interviews.
- To release a written statement through a spokesperson
in lieu of an interview.
- To exclude children from interviews.
- To refrain from answering any questions which make you
feel uncomfortable or feel are inappropriate.
- To know in advance the direction the story is going to
take.
- To avoid a press conference atmosphere and speak to only
one reporter at a time.
- To demand a correction when inaccurate information is
reported.
- To ask that offensive photographers or visuals be omitted
from broadcast or publication.
- To conduct a television interview using a silhouette
or a newspaper interview without having a photograph taken.
- To completely give your side of the story related to
the victimization.
- To refrain from answering reporters' questions during
a trial.
- To grieve in private
- To suggest training about media and victims in their
communities.
Sitemap
