Since #MeToo went viral in 2017, stories about survivors in the media have skyrocketed. But far too often, the way these stories are told has caused even more harm.

We believe that storytellers have a responsibility to speak truth to power and that storytelling can empower survivors. By “storytellers,” we mean journalists, editors, content creators, influencers, advocates, researchers, experts, and anyone who uses their platform to share stories with a broader audience. Survivors can also be storytellers.

The Code of Ethics created by the Society of Professional Journalists asks to minimize harm by treating everyone with dignity and respect. This includes survivors and how we talk about abuse, violence, and trauma.

Our shared goal must be to combat this existing crisis, in part by addressing the myths and misinformation that contribute to it. In our push for survivor-informed journalism, we created a list of proposals that aim to guide ethical reporting and dialogue about power-based violence.

This list of proposals can serve multiple purposes. It can give survivors who are the subject of media coverage a framework to advocate for themselves and seek accountability. It can educate and inform journalists and content creators. It can be a tool for community oversight and support. And it can be one of many steps toward justice for survivors. 

Small changes can lead to big differences. Survivors deserve better. Survivor stories deserve better.