Narrative Nav
find the facts for thoughtful media making
Resources & Organizations
Explore the links below for a broad variety of insights surrounding CSA narratives and realities. From style guides & standards, to advocacy groups’ recommendations, you will find resources to save for later, or to dive deeper in different areas of this intersection.

Connect Media Makers
with experts & advocacy organizations to support a change in rhetoric and framing surrounding CSA narratives in digital media.
Provide Resources
for media makers and a centralized strategy for maximizing prevention and awareness efforts across media.
Build Awareness
through responsible storytelling and education in all areas of media making, with resources like kits and style guides.
Champion Informed Storytelling
for maximum reach on all ends of the network, connecting people with the facts, figures and frames for informed content creation.
Facts, Stats & Context
Learn more about the pervasive issue of child sexual abuse & grooming
The What
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The Why
There are many elements and manifestations of CSA, which added together under this broader label impact 1 in 10 children throughout the United States– based on cases that are reported. (*See resources for additional statistics)
Many nonprofits and advocacy groups related to CSA issues have created media kits and fact sheets for journalists and content creators to reference when handling relevant narratives, but there is a disconnect between these organizations and the storytellers.
Like #MeToo and other social change movements or taboo topics, change in perspective, awareness and cultural shifts comes from bringing the issue into the light, and handling them with care— which comes primarily from traditional news and entertainment media, or the newer, democratized content on social media.
As of now, the AP Style Guide is the gold-standard for news rooms and journalists, but it media landscape is changing, and one would be remise to exclude the creators taking part in an emerging, independent movement towards citizen journalism on social media; these are all groups and individuals who have different approaches to standards, and are unlikely to search for nonprofit resources, if they even realize they are handling CSA topics in the first place..
Media Language Reporting Guide
Lauren's Kids
"Lauren’s Kids created the at-a-glance Media Reporting Language Guide to help educate journalists about the impact language choice has on both the collective understanding of the community and on victims of abuse, with examples of language do’s and don’ts."
Guide
News Summaries
National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)
"A daily email digest of news related to sexual violence, also viewable on line. Hosted by Google Groups."
Newsletter
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Working alongside victims and survivors who are publicly sharing their experiences of Child Sexual Abuse
Marie Collins Foundation (MCF)
"an aide memoire for professionals supporting victims or survivors who are prepared to speak openly about their experiences."
Guide
Style Guide
NIH
"The NIH Style Guide is intended for use in writing web content, fact sheets, brochures, newsletters, and other promotional materials."
Guide
NCA/CAC Style Guide
National Children's Alliance
"This style guide is intended to clarify for the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) movement and related fields National Children’s Alliance (NCA) preferred terminology and usage of language to describe child maltreatment-field specific concepts."
Guide
Safety in Seconds: Grooming and Red Flag Behavior
Darkness to Light (d2l)
"This Safety in Seconds microlearning helps adults understand grooming, recognize warning signs, and respond confidently when manipulation is suspected—an essential step in preventing abuse."
Training
A journalist’s guide on what to write — and what not to — when covering child abuse
Poynter
Preventing child abuse is a community effort. Local media needs to be part of the solution, not the problem.
Article
Media Language Reporting Guide
Lauren's Kids
"Lauren’s Kids created the at-a-glance Media Reporting Language Guide to help educate journalists about the impact language choice has on both the collective understanding of the community and on victims of abuse, with examples of language do’s and don’ts."
Guide
Media Guidance: Responsible, respectful, reporting on TechnologyAssisted Child Sexual Abuse
Marie Collins Foundation (MCF)
"Guidance for Journalists"
Guide
Mandatory reporting: what journalists get wrong when they cover child abuse, and how to get it right
Center for Journalism Ethics
"Advocates say current coverage of child abuse often misses the real story — and with it, a chance to protect children."
Article, Insight
News Summaries
National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)
"A daily email digest of news related to sexual violence, also viewable on line. Hosted by Google Groups."
Newsletter
Media Guide: Additional Resources for Reporters and Advocates Working with Media
National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)
"...guidance and tips for journalists reporting on sexual violence."
Guide
Research and Statistics
Darkness to Light (d2l)
Browse d2l's research and work
Stats, Research, Fact Sheet
Glossary
Darkness to Light (d2l)
"key terminology and definitions that pertain to child sexual abuse prevention"
Research
Get the Facts About Grooming
RAINN
"Abusers often use a tactic called “grooming” to manipulate victims before sexually abusing them. Learn to spot the signs and keep your community safer."
Fact Sheet, Stats, Research
Responsible Storytelling in Film & Television
RAINN
"Every character, every line, every scene; every interview, every appearance, every post: every aspect of creating and promoting entertainment and media can influence how audiences view survivors, trauma, and healing."
Guide
Survivor Storytelling 101
RAINN
"For many survivors, speaking out is an act of reclamation, healing, and advocacy. Learn to tell your story with confidence and clarity—and create real change."
Survivor Stories
Best Practices for Interviewing Survivors of Sexual Violence
RAINN
"Learn essential tips for interview survivors of sexual violence: building trust, navigating sensitive topics, and upholding ethical reporting standards."
Guide
Media Guide: Reporting on Sexual Violence
RAINN
"RAINN’s media guide outlines best practices for journalists covering sexual violence. Ensure accuracy and impact without sacrificing the survivor’s dignity."
Guide
