VOCAL Inc NSW appreciates the opportunity to represent the complex issues confronting victims of crime in the media but notes the chance to debate the issues publicly and deeply are very few.

Journalists are often very interested in learning about victims issues, but like many automatically assume the victim would be treated with great care and respect in every process (surely we care for the underdog).

Victim’s issues are not well-taught as part of most tertiary courses from law, to journalism, social work, welfare, victimology, criminology, medicine, nursing, psychology, policing, etc. And, unfortunately, as some ‘spot on’ person once said ‘In a democracy, which we still have, the views of the people  often cannot be heard over the din of experts and the posturings of vested interest.’

Respectful Reporting: Victims of Violent Crime Media Strategy 2011 -2012
Source:  New South Wales Victims Services, Department of Attorney General and Justice

Respectful Reporting: Victims of Violent Crime Media Strategy promotes responsible reporting of violent crime and encourages the media to consider the potential impact that their report could have on a victim. The NSW Government, led by the NSW Department of Attorney General and Justice (DAGJ) will work in partnership with the media, Government and non-Government agencies and victims to achieve the goals of the strategy.

The Respectful Reporting: Victims of Violent Crime Media Strategy has been developed in consultation with DAGJ, Homicide Victims Support Group (Aus) Inc (HVSG), Victims of Crime Assistance League (VOCAL), Enough is Enough, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), as well as the Department of Human Services NSW – Ageing, Disability and Home Care and the Violence Prevention Coordination Unit, Office for Women’s Policy, NSW Department of Premier & Cabinet, and provides key policy directions and priorities for the next two years.

See link below to read the full Strategy:
Respectful Reporting – Victims of Violent Crime Media Strategy 2011 – 2012