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  • Coverage of individual instances, patterns and issues related to domestic violence and abuse in factual programming, news and current affairs.

  • ‘Domestic Violence’ is the most accepted term for violent incidents. ‘Domestic abuse’ is broader and includes various forms of coercive control and intimidation. Avoid euphemisms like ‘domestic dispute’.
  • Use active language that highlights the perpetrator’s agency in the act
  • For the perpetrator, this is likely to be a legal issue of defamation or contempt. Respect victims’ wishes on their identification. Generally, avoid identifying children.
  • Avoid happy family photos or photos that may glamorise the perpetrator. Prioritise respectful images of victims/survivors in placement and frequency.
  • This person is alleged to have committed a serious crime – positive comments by friends and neighbours are irrelevant, misleading and disrespectful to victims. Avoid the “he was a good bloke” comments.
  • The same applies – prowess as a sportsperson, actor etc is irrelevant and should not be focussed on. Statements of support by friends and fans should be avoided unless directly relevant to the outcome.
  • Be respectful of their wishes and mindful of the potential for re-traumatising victims and distressing their families. Do not include prejudicial information about their background that could constitute victim-blaming.
  • You can report a ‘fair, accurate and contemporaneous’ account of the evidence. Do not introduce material that has not been said in court. Do not include any speculation or conclusions about the guilt of the accused. Be aware of suppression orders and other legal restrictions.
  • Any personal information about victims/survivors is an intrusion into their privacy and must be editorially relevant and justified.
  • Victims’ safety is the highest priority. Avoid any details (e.g. locations) that may endanger them
  • Avoid potentially stigmatising terms like ‘honour killing’ and ‘dowry abuse’ without confirming with knowledgeable community members that they are relevant and accurate.
  • Take extra caution to ensure defamatory or prejudicial posts are removed.

  • Physical violence and intimidation
  • Sexual violence
  • Degradation and humiliation, such as threatening to expose private photographs
  • Controlling friendships and activities, e.g. deleting contacts from their partner’s phone
  • Emotional abuse, including insults, manipulation and threats
  • Financial abuse, such as controlling access to money
  • Stalking or other kinds of harassment
  • Spiritual abuse, i.e. preventing someone from religious or spiritual practice
  • Inspecting a partner’s home or body for signs of infidelity[1]

  • Lifeline – 13 11 14 – particularly if suicide is an issue.
  • Kid’s Help Line – 1800 551 800
  • MensLine – 1300 78 99 78
  • Men’s Referral Service – 1300 766 491
  • Relationships Australia – 1300 364 277
  • Police – 000 (‘triple zero’)
  • Local or state-based services may be appropriate on local radio. E.g. DV Line in NSW
  • LGBTIQ+ support – www.withrespect.org.au or www.qlife.org.au

  • 1800 RESPECT – 1800 737 732
  • Police – 000

  • 1800 RESPECT – 1800 737 732
  • Lifeline – 13 11 14

Editorial Policies

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