Fellow journalists, lets cover trauma ethically

Almost all parts of Uganda have had a fair share of trauma. From the 22 year war in Northern Uganda to the Allied Defense Forces attack on Kicwamba and the Kibwetere Cult massacre in Kanungu in South Western Uganda.

In addition to that, defilement and rape have continued to rise. According to the 2013 police and road safety crime report, defilement cases increased from 8,076 in 2012 to 9,589 in 2013. Similarly, rape cases increased from 743 in 2014 to 787 in 2015.

Individuals and families who face these cowardly acts live a life full of trauma that is worsened by journalists and social media that lack ethics and humanity.

I would forgive social media for lack of ethics in the way they post their pictures, messages and tweets, but I would not tolerate journalists who shamelessly report on tragedy and trauma with lack of sensitivity.

As I was reflecting and researching on how best journalists and social media can report on tragedy and trauma and  landed on a free resource entitled ‘Guide Book for covering trauma' that was developed by Jina Moore, an independent multimedia journalist who specializes in Africa and in post-conflict and human rights reporting.

It offers solid guidelines on how to carry out interviews in challenging situations, and framing stories so as to safeguard victims and not dramatize violence. The guide also explains how journalism can help communities heal after trauma.

For example if you are planning an interview with trauma victims ‘the general principle is this: Trauma happens to people without their permission. Responsible journalism should make certain, at every stage of reporting and writing the story, that survivors are giving their permission freely'.

Moore continues ‘Remember that trauma can re-order memories. Many survivors of trauma do not tell what happened to them in a linear way. Chronology is often confused, and certain details are remembered at inexplicable times. Even when you need to clarify the order of events or emotions, avoid sounding like you don't believe your interview subject. Don't say things like ‘But you said the militia arrived while you were in the fields harvesting rice, and now you're saying you were raped by soldiers in the rainy season' So which one is it?'

Instead, ask them context-based questions about the event that can help both of you figure out the chronology or other details together. Try a follow-up like, ‘I hear you saying now that this happened in the rainy season. But last time, I think you mentioned that you were harvesting rice. Was it raining while you were in the fields?' Survivors themselves will recognize the discrepancy that you have also recognized, and you can talk through it together. Present yourself as a conversation partner, not a prosecutor of the truth.  

The guide book further notes: ‘Avoid the language of blame. If a woman says she was raped on the road late at night, don't ask her, ‘why were you out late at night, anyway?' If a child was abducted when getting water alone, don't ask him ‘why did you go get water alone?' Researchers have found that these questions can cause psychological damage to survivors, because the questions imply that the trauma is the survivor's fault. No matter what piece of information you need, word your question carefully to avoid the language of blame and fault.

The guide gives tips on the 5 Ws and an H, ‘Traditional journalism is supposed to answer six basic questions, usually taught as ‘The 5 Ws and an H'. Traditional journalism tells us what happened, who did it, when it happened, where it happened, why it happened and how it happened. These questions need some adjustment when our work involves sensitive reporting on trauma'

For more details please refer to the free ‘Guide Book for covering trauma' a free web downloadable resource.  I hope as journalists we are going to read this resource and those of us who are trainers can also use it during media workshops, seminars and dialogues to educate our colleagues about this sensitive subject.