Right to Know  v. Right to "No"

As a victim, you have the right to:

• Say "no" to an interview; even if you have granted previous interviews
• Select the spokesperson or advocate of your choice
• Select the time and location for media interviews
• Request a specific reporter
• Refuse an interview with a specific reporter even though you have granted interviews to other reporters
• Release a written statement through a spokesperson in lieu of an interview.
• Exclude children from interviews
• Refrain from answering any questions with which you are uncomfortable or that you feel are inappropriate
• Know in advance the direction the story about your victimization is going to take
• Avoid a press conference atmosphere and speak to only one reporter at a time
• Demand a correction when inaccurate information is reported
• Ask that offensive photographs or visuals be omitted from broadcast or publication
• Conduct a television interview using a silhouette or a newspaper interview with having your photograph taken
• Completely give you side of the story related to your victimization
• Refrain from answering reporters' questions during the trial
• File a formal complaint against a journalist
• Grieve in privacy
• Suggest training about media and victims for print and electronic media in your community (Seymour and Lowrance 1988, 7-10)