The Canadian Association of Journalists’ Ethics Advisory Committee has released a new discussion paper on the media’s coverage of sexual assault complainants. In light of the recent proceedings surrounding the trial of former CBC broadcaster Jian Ghomeshi, the paper offers journalists a series of guidelines to follow when identifying sexual assault complainants who wish to be identified publically. The report also addresses informed consent, verification, and innovative ways to protect complainants, and highlights the relevant legal considerations that may inform and affect the ethical decision-making process.
The paper was authored by committee chair Lisa Taylor, Bert Bruser and Kathy English of the Toronto Star, and Meredith Levine of Western University’s Faculty of Media and Information Studies.
Visit the Canadian Association of Journalists website for more details and to view the discussion paper in full.
