Blue Shield of California Foundation debuts Journalist Playbook on domestic violence
New resource helps journalists tell accurate, empathetic stories without compromising survivors’ safety
LOS ANGELES (May 29, 2025) — Blue Shield of California Foundation officially launched the Journalist Playbook today, a comprehensive resource for journalists covering domestic violence. The online resource supports accurate and empathetic storytelling without compromising domestic violence survivors’ safety or experience. The Playbook was introduced at the Association of Health Care Journalists’ Health Journalism 2025, a national conference sponsored by the Foundation.
“Our Foundation’s mission is to make California the healthiest state and end domestic violence. To achieve this, a crucial step is changing the way we speak about, perceive, and report on domestic violence,” said Debbie I. Chang, MPH, president and CEO of Blue Shield of California Foundation. “This playbook was designed to be a helpful resource for journalists who are often faced with navigating conversations with survivors that are deeply personal and need to be shared safely, accurately, and with tremendous empathy.”
The Playbook was developed with guidance from an advisory group of experienced journalists and survivors with lived experience to address common challenges in reporting on domestic violence. Their insights shaped a practical resource tool designed to support journalists, helping them capture a more balanced and comprehensive story that includes survivor voices and solutions.
This playbook was designed to be a helpful resource for journalists who are often faced with navigating conversations with survivors that are deeply personal and need to be shared safely, accurately, and with tremendous empathy.—Debbie I. Chang, president and CEO, Blue Shield of California Foundation
“As journalists, we often approach survivors of trauma with little training,” said Sammy Caiola, special projects reporter for Kensington Voice, and member of the advisory group. “Hearing directly from domestic violence survivors while working on the Playbook made me think about new reporting practices that can help minimize harm. It’s a foundational resource for reporting on domestic violence with care and sensitivity.”
The Foundation is proud to sponsor AHCJ Health Journalism 2025 as part of its broader commitment to breaking the multigenerational cycle of domestic violence, promoting health equity, and strengthening the economic security and mobility of Californians. The Journalist Playbook is just one of many ways the Foundation offers to raise awareness and strengthen domestic violence prevention and health equity efforts.
Throughout the conference, journalists, domestic violence survivors, and Foundation staff will demonstrate how to access and use the Journalist Playbook to support trauma-informed reporting. To learn more, drop by the Foundation’s exhibit location #3 in the Imperial Ballroom or visit journalists.letsenddv.org.
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About Blue Shield of California Foundation
Blue Shield of California Foundation supports lasting and equitable solutions to make California the healthiest state and end domestic violence. When we work together to remove the barriers to health and well-being, especially for Californians most affected, we can create a more just and equitable future. For more information, visit blueshieldcafoundation.org, sign up for our newsletter Intersections, and please join us on LinkedIn and Instagram.
Press contacts
Blue Shield of California Foundation:
Rachael Kagan, Rachael.kagan [at] blueshieldcafoundation.org, 510 227-7665
Jenna Lane, jenna.lane [at] blueshieldcafoundation.org, 628 946-9763
The Reis Group:
Kathleen Petty, kpetty [at] thereisgroup.com