A publication of the Centre for Advancing Journalism, University of Melbourne

New site to critique media’s coverage of violence against women

A new website examining the media’s reporting of violence against women will also aim to educate journalists about the issue against a backdrop of unprecedented public interest.

Words by Kate Stanton
 
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The website, Uncovered, will point to responsible reporting on incidences of violence against women, but also highlight reporting that may be outdated or even harmful.

Launched Monday, the site offers reporters resources to help unpack the complex problem, from key statistics about the prevalence of violence against women to contact details for family violence experts.

The site was developed by the University of Melbourne’s Centre for Advancing Journalism as part of ongoing research into the news media’s approach to a once-neglected issue.

The editor of Uncovered, former ABC Media Watch researcher Loni Cooper, said the media was “increasingly well-intentioned about wanting to do a good job” in its reporting of violence against women.

But she hoped that journalists would look more closely at what drives that violence. 

“I think the media still tends to look at isolated incidences,” Cooper told The Citizen. “But we’re looking at them as part of a pattern of gendered violence. It’s important that context is communicated to audiences more often.”

The launch coincides with the release of “Eleven ways to boost your work with news media”, Domestic Violence Victoria’s guide to communicating with journalists. The guide offers practical advice for family violence workers — from understanding news deadlines to identifying the most newsworthy research.

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Domestic Violence Victoria’s Fiona McCormack said the guide would help sector workers weave messages about prevention into their work with journalists.

Fiona Richardson, Victoria’s first Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, said Australians had a “new regard” for the enormity of the country’s family violence crisis, thanks in part to the journalists who had paid attention to what was an invisible issue.

Ms Richardson revealed her own experience with domestic violence in March, telling ABC’s Australian Story that she grew up with a violent father, who abused her mother and his children.

Despite finding the experience “intense” and “quite intrusive,” she said it was crucial for the public to hear personal stories — and for journalists to tell those stories right. 

A 2012 VicHealth report, which examined news stories over a 20-year period, found that media coverage often misrepresented the problem of violence against women with journalists relying too heavily on police contacts over other sources such as advocates and service providers. It also said that 40 per cent of news reports trivialised acts of violence against women by including odd facts, puns or rhymes in the story.

As The Citizendetailed last year, violence against women was once a problem largely overlooked by mainstream media.

But a series of high-profile assaults, including the murders of Jill Meagher and Luke Batty, forced the problem to the forefront of national discourse.

► If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000. For practical information and confidential support visit I-DECIDE, an online interactive tool for women in unhealthy or unsafe relationships.

About The Citizen

THE CITIZEN is a publication of the Centre for Advancing Journalism. It has several aims. Foremost, it is a teaching tool that showcases the work of the students in the University of Melbourne’s Master of Journalism and Master of International Journalism programs, giving them real-world experience in working for publication and to deadline. Find out more →

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