Argentine Network of Journalists for Non-Sexist Communication (PAR), representing more than 100 Argentinian journalists, has drawn up a list of “ten “commandments” for news coverage of gender-based crimes.” The list is being officially launched in conjunction with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on Nov. 25th. The list, which was put together as a tool to help members of the media provide appropriate coverage of gender-based crimes.
1. The following terms are correct usage: violence against women, gender-based violence and sexist violence.
2. Gender-based violence is a crime insofar as it is illegal behavior that must be prevented and punished, a social problem, an assault on the right to life, dignity, and physical and psychological integrity of women, and an issue that concerns the defense of human rights.
3. We will uproot from our work the term “crime of passion” to refer to murders of women who are victims of gender violence. Crimes of passion do not exist.
4. It is of the utmost importance to protect the identity of the victim, rather than that of the aggressor. Make it clear who is the aggressor and who is the victim, and indicate what attitudes and situations may put women in violent relationships at risk, to help raise their awareness about their situation.
5. Some information can harm the victims and their families. It is not always a good idea to identify the victim. It is offensive to refer to victims by diminutives, short forms of proper names, nicknames, and so on.
6. We will never look for justifications or “motives” (alcohol, drugs, arguments, jealousy, a couple’s separation, infidelity, and so on) that only distract attention from the central issue: violence. The cause of gender-based violence is the control and domination that certain men exercise over women.
7. It is essential to check the facts, especially from official sources.
8. Keep the subject on the agenda by denouncing violence in all its forms: psychological, economic, and emotional, without waiting for women to be killed. Tell the story taking into account the uniqueness of each event, but also the elements that each has in common with other cases. This will help us avoid the use of expressions like “once again” or “yet another case of,” and prevent a dulling of sensitivities.
9. Be particularly careful with the photographs and images illustrating the article. Respect the victims and their families, and avoid sexism, sensationalism and obscenity. Never steal images or audio material from a victim. When using a musical background, do not select motifs that inspire terror, or lyrics that talk about “love-sickness” or jealousy.
10. Our articles will always include a free telephone helpline number for victims, and any other information that may be useful for them.
Clearly this is a very excellent list that can be utilized by journalists throughout the world and we congratulate the authors for creating this excellent tool. Please send it to your local media and the news websites that you visit.
One Response to “10 “Commandments” For Media Coverage Of Gender-Based Crimes”
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Only in respect of item one do I disagree with the definition. It is never ‘violence against women’ or ‘gender-based violence and sexist violence.’
Rather the correct terminology is male violence against women or male sexual violence against women. The reason is because overwhelmingly it is males who perpetrate sexual, physical and psychological violence against women. If we use the term ‘gender-based violence and sexist violence’ this reinforces the invisibility and non-accountability of males who make the choice to commit violence against women.
See item 4 wherein it states ‘make clear who the perpetrator is (and I would add ‘and/or perpetrators).
We have to be crystal clear in identifying biological sex of perpetrators committing violence against women and using the term gender-based violence unfortunately allows individuals and excusers to claim ‘but this shows women are equally as violent as men.’
Statistics just released show a huge increase in male sexual and physical violence against women. Not huge increase in female violence against women.
So, we must be specific and state it is male violence against women which is the real issue and it is males who are committing these acts with impunity.
If we use the term gender-based violence this feeds into public perception men are not the ones committing these crimes but rather gender is about women and it is women apparently who should be responsible for preventing ‘gender-based violence.’