March 1994
PHILIPPINE JOURNALISM REVIEW 1s
GUIDELINES ON THE COVERAGE
OF CRIMES AGAINST WOMEN
AND MINORS
(Proposed by participants in the Seminar/Workshop on the
Coverage of Violent Crimes Against Women and Minors, December 3-5, 1993
Development Academy of the Philippines, Tagaytay City)
IL
CONSENT. Recognize the victims’ right to decide
whether to be identified or not.
1
Withhold the identity of the victim and suspect
(until indictment),
Make sure the consent given is free and
informed consent.
2.1, Do not assume consent until expressly
given,
2.2. Determine if the victim is in the right
frame of mind to give consent.
23. Broadcast reporters/editors should take
care that filming’ reporting/ recording of
such crimes do not violate the above
principle.
IMAGES. Recognize the right to dignity of victims,
specially in death.
1
Do not use photos of victims who are naked,
scantily clad, or in otherwise degrading siaics.
Do not photograph or use photos of minors as
victims or suspects.
Use graphics, line shots, other illustrations to
Visually supplement the reportage.
m1.
4
Do not trivialize the reality of violent crimes
with the use of humor, cartoons, etc.
Do not place repons of violence next to pin-ups
and other items which heighten their titillating
value.
Do not use photos or any visual depiction of
confrontations between the victims’, the
victims’ family, and the accused in police
stations and other law enforcement agencies.
REPORTAGE. Crimes of violence against women
and children should be reported factually and
seriously.
1
Reporters should not use words and phrases
which tend to pass judgment on the victim and/
or suspect.
Ex : prostitute, pretty, sexy, former dancer, sex
maniac, drug addict, etc
Eliminate details/descriptions which tend to
titillate readersiviewers and sensationalize the
Story or ridicule the victims,
The general rule : Do not use obscene, profane,
or vulgar terms in a story unless they are
part of direct quotations and there is a storing,
compelling reason to use them,