Trauma coverage tips for reporters<\/p>\n
Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
Whether they be brutal crimes, bloody riots, atrocious bomb
\nattacks, killer quakes or devastating tsunamis, journalists will
\noften have to cover such \"traumatizing events\" -- incidents so
\noverwhelming that the people who experience them face such
\ntremendous fear, intense physical pain or both that they end up
\nin a severe state of psychological shock.<\/p>\n
And though journalists, with their keen instinct and training
\nfor news, might view the events as an endless well of stories to
\nreport on with objectivity and distance, there are several
\nguidelines they should consider when following this line of duty.<\/p>\n
Apart from showing respect to victims and survivors of the
\nevents, the guidelines are also important for the journalists'
\nown sake, as anyone who has had regular contact with traumatized
\npeople is at risk of becoming emotionally injured themselves, and
\nsuffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Symptoms of
\nPTSD include recurring intrusive memories of the traumatic
\nexperience, a feeling of detachment, estrangement or
\n\"psychological numbing\", and a heightened sense of anxiety or a
\nlowering of their \"fear threshold\".<\/p>\n
The following is a compilation of key guidelines summarized
\nfrom Yayasan Pulih, a trauma counseling foundation, and the Dart
\nCenter for Journalism and Trauma:<\/p>\n
* Because journalists -- like the police, fire fighters and
\nparamedics -- will often be first responders arriving at the
\nscene just minutes after a disaster strikes, safety should always
\ncome first. If possible, find out the nature of the situation
\nbefore arriving on the scene from other first responders, public
\ninformation officers and those in charge of the emergency-
\nresponse operation.<\/p>\n
* Remember to be sensitive and respectful when approaching people
\nwho may have been traumatized by a certain event. Start the
\nconversation by introducing yourself and asking sympathetically
\nhow they are, which will give a sense of their mental state.<\/p>\n
* Avoid gathering eyewitness accounts from those still in shock
\nfrom the event or who are openly grieving. If someone refuses an
\ninterview, stay respectful and polite. Consider leaving them your
\nbusiness card, as they may decide to talk about their experiences
\nlater, and they will likely call the reporter who made the best
\nimpression -- that is, made them feel respected as a human being,
\nnot a news \"subject\".<\/p>\n
* Traumatized children may want to tell their story, but it might
\nnot be in their best interests to be interviewed, and in some
\ncircumstances, could exacerbate their exposure to trauma. Have a
\nparent or mental health professional present when interviewing a
\nchild or teen.<\/p>\n
* Journalists can help victims and survivors tell their stories
\nin ways that are constructive and that also make for great
\njournalism. Pay attention to your own emotions during the
\ninterview and let your reactions inform your reporting while
\nstill remaining professional. If you find something emotionally
\nstirring, chances are readers will too.<\/p>\n
* For many, it may be painful to revisit a tragedy, so avoid
\ngratuitous retelling of destruction and carnage, focusing instead
\non how victims and survivors are recovering.<\/p>\n
* If you have witnessed a traumatic event or listened to a
\nsurvivor's story, find a way to relax. Take a holiday and
\npractice some stress-reduction activities. Speaking about what
\nyou have witnessed with other journalists who have had similar
\nexperiences can also help release your emotional stress. Other
\njournalists find that focusing on the public good that may result
\nfrom their reporting can help them get through an emotionally
\ndraining assignment. If the distress doesn't subside over time,
\nhowever, consider seeking professional help.<\/p>\n
Sources: www.dartcenter.org; Paduan bagi jurnalis dalam meliput
\nperistiwa traumatik (A guide for journalists covering traumatic
\nevents) by Yayasan Pulih.<\/p>\n
NOTE: Yayasan Pulih's guide for journalists is free of charge,
\nand is available through the foundation at Jl. Kemang III\/8,
\nTel\/Fax 0217195444, pulih@cbn.net.id. Contact: Niken. The guide
\nis only available in Bahasa Indonesia at present. Pulih also
\nprovides counseling services for both Indonesian and foreign
\njournalists.<\/p>",
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