Five tips for reporting and advocating against sexual violence

South African news headlines have been reflecting a growing outrage over the rape of a seven year old child in Matatiele, Eastern Cape. This story has been uppermost in many of our minds as we’ve seen the child’s name; their school’s name; their mother’s identity; and the name of a man accused of her rape splashed across our screens and newspapers.

There’s a tension that exists between freedom of expression and protecting the rights of others, especially children. Often there’s some wrangling over the question of whether someone’s identity should be published or not because it would be in the public’s interest to know who that person is. However, when it comes to children, their rights are sacrosanct in terms of the Children’s Act and the Criminal Procedure Act.

Quote This Woman+ has put together five tips for reporting on and advocating against sexual violence to ensure that we don’t fall foul of the law in our reporting and advocacy.

1. Don’t name a victim of crime that is a child

Remember that children are afforded special protections in law to make sure they are not identified.

There have been instances where the child’s photo has been shared next to the trending hashtag (which contains her name) on social media. Her mother has also been widely identified, which identifies the child by association. This protection is important because in the future, the child may not want to be known as the victim of sexual violence that trended on social media.

Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) explains in their Discussion Document — Children, Media and the Law, that children who are victims, witnesses, or accused of crimes are in an acutely vulnerable position. If a child’s identity is revealed publicly they could face severe, life-long harms. In this case,think of the potential bullying they may face because they are known as a victim of sexual assault. The naming could even have negative implications for the investigation.

Sadly, the highest echelons of government also need to be sensitised of this rule to not name a child victim of crime.

Police minister Senzo Mchunu released a statement on March 29, noting the calls on social media regarding “the tragic violation of two minors in the Eastern Cape which occurred in two separate incidents in October and November last year”. He said the Ministry fully understands the public’s concerns and the urgency surrounding these cases. But then he named the victims and provided the first name of the child in the first case he mentions, adding that the suspect, whose first name he also provides, was arrested.

Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga also used the name of the child that has been raped at a school publicly too and described the details of their sexual assault.

Its important to highlight the issue of child rape, but in doing so, let us teach others not to cause secondary traumatisation in this way so children can maintain their right to be treated with dignity and compassion. In the face of diminishing protection by many social media platforms, as reporters and advocates against sexual violence, we need to be extra cautious about doing the right thing.

2. Don’t name the perpetrator until they are charged

By law, a person accused of a sexual crime can’t be named in the media until they have pleaded to the charges against them in court. You also can’t name them as a sexual assault suspect by association, e.g. by naming their job title and place of employment.

In the case of a teacher, you could avoid using their specific designation and not name the school. It takes nothing away from the gravity of the story if you say, for instance, a school in the Eastern Cape instead of naming the school.

Once the suspect has pleaded to the charges in court, then they can be named.

3. Don’t retraumatise those who’ve experienced sexual violence by amplifying harmful messages

There have been many messages with harmful content reposted by those affronted by what they’ve seen in them.

While the South African Justice, Crime Prevention and Security cluster, said on X it was “deeply disheartening that some social media users would exploit such a sensitive case involving a minor for attention” and labelled this behaviour as “not only reckless but also highly insensitive to the victim, the victim’s family, and the broader community,” they then retweeted a post by a man who made violent, sexual comments about the child.

4. Do monitor progress on sexual violence cases and remind everyone of unsolved cases

The police minister has stressed it’s essential to allow the investigation to follow due process in order to ensure fairness, thoroughness and justice and he is right. Our outrage is important for ensuring the case has the attention of those in power but it will not necessarily result in a faster conviction, as the legal process still needs to take place.

An investigation may lead to a trial and possibly a conviction but various processes need to be followed at each step and there are many bureaucratic delays that may take place in this process. Our work as reporters and advocates is to keep the case top of the public’s mind and keep asking questions but allow the process to unfold as it needs to.

5. Do know when to step away and preserve your mental health

A case like the Matatiele girl case, where a child has been so traumatised by something that should never have happened, is hard for many to cope with. It may also be a trigger for those who have suffered sexual violence themselves, or whose loved ones have. As much as we want to know what’s happening all the time, an information overload of this nature can also take its toll on our mental health.

It’s important for us to know our own personal limits and take breaks from social media and news when needed and find a space that is regenerative. Perhaps it’s a walk outside, spending time with loved ones or listening to your favourite music. Immerse yourself in something positive and you will come back refreshed and ready to do more reporting or advocacy.

While it’s important that the media, advocates and the public all work together to ensure that justice is pursued with dignity and respect for child victims remember to, first, do no harm.