• This is about timing, readiness, and personal choice, not obligation.

• There is no “right moment” to speak out.

• What felt right at one point may not feel right later.

• Readiness can depend on emotional stability, safety, and support systems.

  Speaking too soon, or under pressure, can feel overwhelming or retraumatizing. Waiting until you feel grounded and informed can help protect your wellbeing

• Sharing publicly can have consequences that aren’t always obvious at the start.

• Legal risks: ongoing cases, defamation concerns, or impact on investigations.

• Long-term exposure: your story may remain online indefinitely.

  Understanding these risks helps survivors make informed decisions, not reactive or pressured ones.

• This is one of the most important principles.

• You do not owe the media, the public, or anyone your story.

• Silence is a valid and powerful choice.

• Advocacy does not require public disclosure.

  Many survivors feel pressure to “speak out.” Remember your healing is more important than visibility.

• Media coverage can expand quickly beyond the initial interview.

• Personal details may become widely accessible.

• Family, workplace, or community may be impacted.

• Increased visibility may attract both support and harm.

• Healing can become more complex in a public space.

  Media attention can shift your experience from private to public very quickly, which can affect your sense of control and safety.

• Decline questions.

• Share only what you feel safe sharing.

• Stay anonymous or use a different name.

• Set clear limits on topics or details.

• Ask that certain information remains off the record.

• You never owe anyone access to your full story.

  Present your story in your own voice. Help shape how others perceive you rather than letting assumptions or incomplete information define you.

• Write down what you do and do not want to talk about.

• Practice responses or identifying “pause” phrases.

• Bring a trusted advocate or support person into the process.

• Let the reporter know your boundaries in advance.

  Taking time to prepare can help you feel more grounded and supported. There is no need to rush. Moving at your own pace is part of protecting your wellbeing.

• Requesting corrections or updates.

• Limiting further use of your story where possible.

• Stepping away from media engagement.

• Reaching out for emotional support.

• Your safety and dignity matter more than any story.

  Media experiences don’t always unfold the way we hope. If something feels inaccurate, invasive, or harmful, your feelings are valid.

Media coverage often extends beyond the original interview.

• Increased visibility online.

• Supportive messages and sometimes hurtful or harmful responses.

• Content being shared outside of your control.

Manage Your Online Space

• Adjust privacy settings.

• Limit how much you read or engage.

• Ask someone you trust to help monitor responses.

  Protecting your peace is not avoidance; it is self-care.

• Empowered or validated.

• Anxious, exposed, or uncertain.

• Frustrated or misunderstood.

• Tired or emotionally overwhelmed.

• Vulnerable

• Relieved

  All of these responses are normal. There is no “right” way to feel. Any reaction you have is normal.

• Speak with an advocate or counselor before engaging with media.

• Check in with yourself afterward.

• Reach out if you need support, grounding, or space to process.

  Your wellbeing always comes first. You don’t have to navigate this process alone.