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Here’s a reminder to all journalists on how NOT to report fatal domestic abuse. Please share.
1. Avoid cliches like “jilted lover” that reinforce a romantic narrative.
2. Avoid speculative reasons or “triggers” for a murder that are based on a woman’s behaviour.
1. Avoid cliches like “jilted lover” that reinforce a romantic narrative.
2. Avoid speculative reasons or “triggers” for a murder that are based on a woman’s behaviour.
3. Consider what resources or specialist voices you need to seek out in order to cover this piece sensitively.
4. Avoid building a piece solely from defence claims in court. This presents the killer’s unbalanced version of events that the dead victim cannot verify or respond to
4. Avoid building a piece solely from defence claims in court. This presents the killer’s unbalanced version of events that the dead victim cannot verify or respond to
5. Don’t perpetuate myths like “jealous rages” or “loss of control”. Almost all domestic abuse deaths are planned by highly controlling partners or exes.
Dig deep into the context and character of the relationship, and the coercive control present. It could save readers’ lives.
Dig deep into the context and character of the relationship, and the coercive control present. It could save readers’ lives.
6. Be cautious of reinforcing claims of “affairs”. Women are at highest risk of homicide after they have separated from an abusive partner. A killer’s claims of an “affair” may well be fictional - or his distorted perception of a woman’s new life without him.
7. In the first stages of a case, quoting a neighbour who did not know the context of the relationship, is inappropriate and is proven to damage the family’s bereavement process.
8. Don’t centre images of the killer (if you use them at all) or grant too much space to his claims. Focus on the victim who has lost her life.
9. Don’t leave images of the woman at the end of the article. Centre and honour her death.
9. Don’t leave images of the woman at the end of the article. Centre and honour her death.
10. Don’t use the passive voice in regard to fatal violence. Hold killers accountable.
Every article on fatal domestic abuse is an opportunity to give families & victims a memorial and a truthful representation of events. This has the power to heal and save lives. So journalists - use your power in the right way.
