To mark the International day for the elimination of violence against women - November 25 - the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) released guidelines for improving media coverage of the issue.

Deeming the issue "poorly reported," IFJ recommends that journalists think more carefully how they use words and images when reporting violence against women, suggesting the use of non-judgmental language and exercising restraint in publication of graphic details. The word "victim" is overused and "survivor" might be a more appropriate term, according to the guidelines.

Journalists are also encouraged to inform the public of the bigger picture of violence against women by including statistics, social background information and expert opinion in their work.

To access the PDF guidelines, go to http://www.ifj.org/assets/docs/185/063/c3093b9-8c8e63f.pdf.