Dealing with the media

Sometimes, the media may be interested in your story as a victim of crime and in any court case that follows. They may contact you at home or approach you at a court hearing. They may publish or broadcast your name and address.

Not all victims of crime want to talk to the media and most journalists will understand if you say you do not want to talk to them. If, however, you think it may be helpful for the media to cover the case, for example to make an appeal for information, you may decide to speak to them, or depending on the case, choose a family member to speak on your behalf.

What you can and can't say
If you do decide to speak to journalists, you may find it helps to prepare what you want to say in advance. This might take the form of a short statement which you can give out, read or have read for you (for example, by the police or, if you have one, your solicitor). The police or your solicitor will be able to give you advice to ensure you do not say something by accident that may cause problems for the investigation and prosecution.

What you can do if you are unhappy with media reporting or intrusion
If you are concerned about the way the media is behaving or reporting events, tell the police or your solicitor. They may not be able to stop what is happening, but they may be able to take steps to reduce it or give you advice on how to try to cope with it.

If you are unhappy with a journalist's conduct or think that they have published or broadcast something that is incorrect or unfair, you can make a complaint to the relevant newspaper, TV or radio station. To do this, you can write to the editor or publisher of a newspaper, or the director of a TV or radio station. Sometimes the media offer to print or broadcast an apology. A newspaper or magazine may offer to print a letter from you.

Journalists are also governed by national codes of practice. For more information and details on how to make a complaint please see:

The Press Complaints Commission (PCC)
Website: www.pcc.org.uk
Telephone: 020 7831 0022 (textphone 020 7831 0123)
Governs newspaper or magazine journalists and provides opportunities to make a complaint under their Code of Practice.

The Office of Communications Code of Practice
Website: www.ofcom.org.uk
Telephone: 020 7981 3040 (textphone 020 7981 3043)
Governs TV and radio journalists and provides opportunities to make a complaint under their Code of Practice.