Health care professionals who work with victims and their families know how important it is for journalists to recognize the potential for re-victimization. "The time when the family is of most interest to the media is when they are most vulnerable," says Dr. Martin Cohen.
Dr. Cohen is a psychologist and clinical director of The Life Center in Tampa, Florida. He has directed award-winning prevention programs and provided training to health care professionals around the country on traumatic stress management and bereavement counseling. He has also worked with The Poynter Institute in St. Petersburg, Florida, in helping journalists better understand the components of trauma.
Dr. Cohen believes journalists do have a responsibility to their profession and to society to pursue legitimate stories about tragedy or crime. He also believes journalists have a responsibility to be "human" in how they conduct themselves at such difficult moments.
"To approach someone (who is suffering) is difficult but important," he says. "But you must show an increased level of sensitivity. If you are going to make use of this family's plight, you have a responsibility to do it as a mensch, a really good person, to not treat people as an object."
He acknowledges that many reporters and photojournalists are very apprehensive about approaching victims or their families. But he believes that "when you overcome your fear and have compassion for those you are covering, you will both create a better news product and feel better" about your interaction with those victims.
He suggests some clear, common-sense steps for journalists to follow as they interview and report on victims and their families.
Pause for a moment before you approach vulnerable individuals and think of yourself in their situation.
Approach individuals as human being to human being, not as reporter to object.
Plug in your heart. Don't just do the job on automatic pilot even if it causes you some pain and tears in your eyes.
Remember that these people are vulnerable and in pain, and it is very important to treat them with respect and sensitivity.
Conduct yourself according to your convictions and do what is the right thing to do.
See the people you are covering as part of your same community.