Читать книгу Approaching Victimology as social science for Human rights a Spanish perspective онлайн

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• Most crime/justice reporters are on Twitter which allows them to broadcast information instantaneously from crime scenes, the trial, etc.

• The mass media is only bound by publication bans (particularly the names of child victims). Media outlets often fight for access to private information restricted by the courts because it is “in the public interest”. Public interest means information that benefits public safety or welfare.

• Social media can be a source of information for those curious about the victim(s). Journalists look for personal information found in blogs, personal websites and social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to include in their stories. They can gather a great deal of background information and photographs of victims and their family members through their social media pages.

• Many of the users of smartphones have accounts with one or more social media platforms, which allow them to instantly share their feelings or beliefs on victimisation. Users should remember that pictures, comments and status updates may give those who are tagged unwanted attention, and in some cases, put them in danger. Online posts can also change the course of a police investigation or alter a trial verdict. Anything posted online or emailed can be accessed by defence lawyers and used in criminal court. Online activity may also be viewed by the offender, so it is important to maintain privacy.