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Using language and images

"It is not only one’s spoken or written words that are powerful; body language captured in a photo and descriptive tone are equally impactful. From a victim’s perspective, it is critical that they are always shown respect. Twenty years on and we are constantly referred to in the media, “as the parents of slain schoolboy”. Comments like that are gut wrenching."

(Bruce and Denise Morcombe, Founders Daniel Morcombe Foundation)

Sensitive use of language

  • Avoid language that minimises or trivialises child sexual abuse. For example, ‘child sex’ or ‘child porn’.
  • Avoid language that implies consent between the child and perpetrator: ‘sexual relationship’, ‘sexual intercourse’ or ‘child pornography’. Place all responsibility on the perpetrator.
  • Use accurate and specific language with correct terminology. Child sexual abuse is a crime.
  • Take care not to blame the victim or suggest they contributed to the abuse.
  • Include sentencing remarks in quotations as court proceedings can include offensive language.
  • Do not reinforce stereotypes or employ sensationalist language. This includes in celebrity reporting.
  • Sensationalised or derogatory terms about perpetrators, or valorisation of them, is damaging for victims and survivors. Perpetrators are people, not “monsters”. They should be held accountable for their actions as such. Reflecting on the role or contributions of the perpetrator in society in a story about child sexual abuse can be interpreted as a mitigation or form of valorisation.
  • Avoid commenting on: a child’s behavioural problems, private life, physical appearance, age, habits or clothing; gender identity or sexual preference as a reason for abuse; implying someone other than the perpetrator is responsible (e.g., blaming parents or caregivers).

Terminology and language to avoid:

Implies the child has consented or is complicit in their own abuse, shifting blame from the perpetrator(s) to victims and survivors. 

Perpetuates community misunderstanding of what constitutes abuse.

Instead use Child sexual abuse, Sexual violence against children, Grooming (see below)

Implies the child has consented or is complicit in their own abuse, shifting blame from the perpetrator(s) to victims and survivors.

Instead use Child sexual abuse, Child sexual assault, Sexual violence against children, Rape of a child (see below)

These terms are offensive. They imply the child has consented or is complicit in their own abuse, shifting blame from the perpetrator(s) to victims and survivors. This normalises the material, as consensual pornography is legal and legitimate.

Instead use Online child sexual abuse, Child sexual abuse material, Child sexual exploitation material (see below)

Trivialises child sexual abuse and paedophilic disorder. Obscures that child sexual abuse is perpetrated by ordinary people in the community that are known and trusted by ‘diagnosing’ an offender.

Instead use Offender Perpetrator, Perpetrator of child sexual abuse, Perpetrator of sexual crimes against children (see below)

Terminology and language to use instead:

Clearly refers to a perpetrator or offender subjecting a child to abuse and does not imply the abuse is in any way the fault of the child.

Consider using one or a combination of terms, as appropriate. Ensure terms are used accurately.

Clearly refers to a perpetrator or offender subjecting a child to abuse and does not imply the abuse is in any way the fault of the child.

Consider using one or a combination of terms, as appropriate. Ensure terms are used accurately.

Avoids stigmatisation and trivialising serious crimes. Ensures terms are used accurately.

Consideration should be taken before using the following language:

Adolescent, teenager, teen: when these terms are used in the context of child sexual abuse, it is important to distinguish between adolescents or teenagers up to age 18 (who are legally children) and adolescents or teenagers aged 18 and above. Consider using the term ‘child’ for clarity. 

Allegedly, allege: the term ‘allegedly’ can be appropriate and/or legally required in some circumstances. Notwithstanding, the terminology should not be used in a way that casts doubt on victims and survivors or their reports of child sexual abuse. 

Paedophile: ‘Paedophilia’ or ‘paedophilic disorder’ refers to a clinical diagnosis of a mental health condition. While there may be some perpetrators of child sexual abuse who have been diagnosed with paedophilic disorder, this isn’t always the case. Similarly, not all paedophiles have committed sexual crimes against children. Ensure use is accurate.

Sensitive use of images

  • Take care that images do not stereotype, sexualise or portray victimhood. Images of children who look afraid or in despair can be further triggering for victims and survivors. This is also applicable for stock images.
  • Ensure any images do not identify a victim and survivor (unless express permission given) or alleged perpetrator.
  • Choose strong images of victims and survivors when they can be identified – or work with the victim or survivor to determine how they want to be depicted if you can.
  • Including images of the alleged or convicted perpetrator, or giving them a right of reply, can be retraumatising for victims and survivors and can result in legal ramifications.
  • If you are using an image of a victim or survivor who has passed away, consider including a warning at the front of the article, or choosing a different image.

Images to avoid table

  • Sexualised images of children 
  • Stock images that focus on the actions of victims and survivors 
  • Images that portray violence
  • Stereotyping victims and survivors to a particular group 
  • Images that show a perpetrator in a position of power over a child 
  • Shadowy figures in doorways
  • Images of scared children.
  • Images that demonstrate resilience
  • Images of strong victims and survivors
  • Check with the victim and survivor for an image of their choice
  • Stock images that represent people finding their voice or feeling empowered.

"I feel like the media dehumanises victims and humanises perpetrators and I'd really like to see that changed."

(Victim and survivor)

Ask yourself

  • Do you need to include graphic descriptions?
  • Can your article harm those in the story?

Table of contents

Reporting on Child Sexual Abuse

If you or a child are in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).

Information on reporting child safety concerns can be found on our Make a report page.

Get support

The information on this website may bring up strong feelings and questions for many people. There are many services available to assist you. A detailed list of support services is available on our Get support page.

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