Out of the Shadows: How information provision by broadcasters can support people affected by abuse and violence

In 2020, a project was commissioned by campaigning organisations to develop a code of ethics and guidelines for television companies to ensure supportive information was provided after all programmes which feature forms of abuse or/and violence, regardless of whether they were shown live, downloaded or streamed. For this project, I co-researched the relevant information needed to support and draft the guidelines. The role consisted of consulting with key stakeholders and revising the guidelines with the team. As well as write up relevant case studies of good approaches to using information/screen cards and displaying information before or after the television program.

The project’s aim for the campaigning organisation is to advocate with Ofcom and TV companies to adopt these guidelines. Thus, making a national significance to survivors, with the introduction of support details on programs demonstrating any violence or/and abuse, which could encourage victims to report or seek support.