The Right Words

Editorial Language Style Guide

A practical guide for journalists, editors, and communications professionals covering headline standards, recommended terminology, content framing, legal-safe language, imagery choices, survivor-centred reporting, and a final editorial checklist.

We work with journalists, editors, and organisations to improve how abuse is reported - without compromising legal accuracy or editorial standards. If you’d like to discuss how to apply this guide in your newsroom, review your editorial standards, or train your teams, we’d love to hear from you.

Created to support more accurate, clear, and responsible reporting on sexual assault, domestic abuse, and child abuse.