The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has today published new guidelines to help journalists report ethically, accurately and safely on cases involving the abuse of women and girls in sport. 

Developed under the EBU Women’s Sport Initiative, Beyond the Story: Guidelines for safe media reporting of abuse against girls and women in sport draws on extensive interviews with journalists and media professionals from across the EBU community who have first-hand experience covering abuse in sport. Their perspectives were complemented by input from safeguarding specialists, academic researchers, advocacy organizations and survivors of abuse. 

The guidance offers trauma-informed advice on interviewing survivors, selecting language, contextualizing allegations and avoiding harmful stereotypes. It also includes recommendations for investigative work and approaches to impactful storytelling, as well as measures newsrooms can take to mitigate trauma among staff when reporting stories of this nature. 

Glen Killane, Executive Director, EBU Sport said: “Public service media have a crucial responsibility to report on abuse in ways that are accurate, sensitive and rooted in public interest. These guidelines have been developed to directly support our EBU Members in navigating this complex and emotionally challenging subject matter. 

“By reflecting the experiences of journalists across our community, they offer practical support to strengthen ethical journalism and promote trusted, transparent coverage of this important issue.” 

Cases of abuse in sport continue to emerge across Europe and beyond, creating significant challenges for journalists tasked with reporting responsibly while protecting both themselves and their sources. This new EBU guidance sets out practical steps to support the wellbeing of media professionals working with sensitive and potentially traumatic material. 

Elsa Arapi, Women’s Sport Lead, EBU Sport said: “Reporting on abuse can be emotionally demanding and, at times, distressing. Journalists are exposed to difficult testimonies and challenging material that can take a real toll. 

“These guidelines underline the importance of safeguarding journalists’ well-being, offering practical steps that newsrooms and individuals can take to recognize and manage the risks they face while continuing to ensure that the voices of women and girls who have experienced abuse are heard.” 

Read the full guidelines now.

The publication of ‘Beyond the Story: Guidelines for safe media reporting of abuse against girls and women in sport’ aligns with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the start of the UNiTE campaign’s 16 Days of Activism, a key moment to highlight the need for accurate, well-informed public reporting on issues affecting women and girls.