Resources for covering sexual assault

In a special report just published by the Committee to Protect Journalists, news professionals disclose sexual assaults they have experienced in the course of their work. Plus, CPJ's Security Guide has been updated to include new information on coping with the threat of sexual abuse.  

More than 85,000 signatures were delivered to the Ohio Attorney General calling for another arrest in the Steubenville rape case, which is set to open next week at the Jefferson County Courthouse despite defense motions to relocate due to fears of protest and intimidation.

The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies has released a special issue on sexual harassment and sexual assault, featuring articles and resources available at no cost through the end of the year.

In an aim to change the prevailing university culture of silence around student sexual assault and consequent bureaucratic inepititude at preventing it, a special White House task force issued a series of recommendations for universities and support mechanisms for victims.

Last week at Women's eNews headquarters, guest speaker Claudia Garcia-Rojas shared best practices in reporting on rape and sexual violence, including how to use language and framing respectfully during an interview, how to make sources comfortable and how to use statistics effectively in reporting.

Judy Holland of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer carefully documents sexual assault within the military. Statistics and victims’ stories provide context for proposed legislation that would require an investigation into the handling of these cases and provide support for female veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder.