Are there potentially positive impacts of media reporting about forensic mental health issues?
There is a lack of understanding about the forensic mental health system and why the criminal justice system in Queensland treats defendants with a mental illness differently to others. Accurate and informed reporting of these issues can contribute to increased community understanding and acceptance. Are there potentially negative impacts of media reporting about forensic mental health issues? Graphic reporting of specific details of crimes, can distress victims and re-activate their fears and memories. It can also have a negative impact on family members of both the victim and the patient, as well as other people associated with the case. This situation may traumatise people and disrupt their process of recovery.1 Reporting that is inaccurate, sensationalist or reinforces stereotypes about mental illness can be very distressing for people living with a mental illness and their families. People can experience further social exclusion and subsequently be reluctant to seek treatment and
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