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Report a Media Item to StigmaWatch
To report a media item to StigmaWatch, check the item adheres to the reporting criteria and fill in the form below.
Reporting criteria
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Stigma: the media item includes inaccurate or inappropriate reporting of mental illness or suicide (see examples) OR
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Positive portrayal: the media item features use of accurate or sensitive reporting of mental illness or suicide (see examples)
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Language: the media item misuses diagnostic term(s), such as ‘schizophrenic’, and/or the wording used specifically references, or implies mental illness. Use of non diagnostic terms such as ‘crazy’ or ‘insane’ may not be strong enough on their own to warrant action
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Media: the item has appeared in the media (e.g. TV, radio, newspaper, magazine, advertising)
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Australian: the media item originated in the Australian media
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Current: the report is sent within one month of the occurrence of stigma
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Verified: Full details of the incident are requested, including source, date and name of the person responsible. If reporting a newspaper or magazine article, please send the article or a copy of the article. If reporting an online article, please supply the full web address.
Where possible, copies of articles should also be sent to:
Email: media@sane.org
Fax: 03 9682 5944
Post: StigmaWatch
SANE Australia
PO Box 226
South Melbourne
VIC 3205
StigmaWatch also encourages you to contact the media outlet directly – so they can hear first-hand how people are affected by their reporting and portrayal of mental illness and suicide.
StigmaWatch process
In the case of stigmatising articles, StigmaWatch contacts those responsible, explaining the harm stigma causes and encouraging them to report or represent mental illness and suicide in a sensitive and responsible manner. Serious cases are taken further and may involve more wide reaching action, such as public statements or formal complaints to regulatory bodies.
In the case of positive portrayals, StigmaWatch contacts those responsible to pass on positive feedback and highlight the key role such media coverage plays in battling stigma.
The decision to follow-up reports lies with SANE Australia, based on the following criteria and availability of resources.
Join the StigmaWatch Mailing List
StigmaWatch Complaint Form
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