How media reports sexual abuse and GBV

The media plays a critical role in moulding public perspectives, attitudes, and responses to Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Unfortunately, the way GBV is often portrayed in the media can sometimes perpetuate harmful stereotypes and narratives, making it harder to address the root causes of violence and to support meaningful change. While media coverage of GBV can bring attention to individual cases, it is often sensationalised, disjointed, and fails to address the broader societal issues that fuel this violence.

This analysis explores how the media’s portrayal of GBV impacts public understanding, focusing on the need for more accurate, educational, and solution-oriented reporting that goes beyond dramatized headlines and places the responsibility on the systems that allow such violence to persist.

 1. Sensationalism vs. Education: The Need for a Balanced Approach

One of the most common issues with media coverage of GBV is the exaggerated portrayal of individual cases. Stories about rape or domestic violence often focus on the shock value of the incident, where it happened, who was involved, and the immediate aftermath, without delving deeper into the causes or preventive measures that could help address the problem. This type of coverage can often reduce complex social issues to just an isolated event, making it difficult for the public to understand the larger patterns of violence that are happening across society.

For example, a headline like “Woman Raped in Orange Farm” creates an amplified image of a singular tragedy, but it rarely provides the necessary context, such as the lack of adequate street lighting, unsafe public spaces, or insufficient law enforcement presence, that enables this type of violence to occur. In such reporting, the focus is placed on the victim’s experience rather than examining how our failures as a society contribute to the violence.

Educational media coverage, on the other hand, can change the narrative and create a more informed public. Instead of simply reporting the crime, media outlets should highlight the root causes of GBV and call for significant changes. A headline like “Lack of Street Lighting in Orange Farm leads to Women being raped” moves the conversation beyond the victim and challenges the systems that make such violence possible. By shifting the focus to preventive measures, like improved lighting, better policing, or public awareness campaigns, media outlets can empower communities to act and demand change.

 2. The Power of Responsible Reporting

Media representation has a significant impact on how the public understands the scale and nature of GBV. When media outlets report on GBV without properly framing the issue, it can reinforce harmful myths and misconceptions, such as the belief that rape is only committed by strangers in dark alleys or that domestic violence is an individual issue rather than a societal one.

Instead of perpetuating these stereotypes, the media should provide comprehensive coverage that includes:

• The prevalence of GBV in various communities, emphasising how common it is, and how it affects all genders and age groups.
• The root causes of violence, such as toxic masculinity, economic inequality, and a lack of access to justice.
• The response of governments, institutions, and communities, focusing on proactive solutions and what is being done to tackle GBV at every level.

For example, rather than simply reporting a rape case with a line like “Woman was raped in broad daylight in downtown Johannesburg,” the media could ask, why are women still unsafe in public spaces? The headline could evolve into something like: “Experts Call for Increased Policing to Prevent Violence Against Women in Public Spaces.”

Responsible reporting can also involve using gender-sensitive language and ensuring that survivors of violence are portrayed with dignity and respect, rather than being reduced to their victimhood. Survivors should not be referred to as “victims” in every instance, but rather as “survivors,” empowering them as individuals who have faced violence but have not been defined by it.

 3. The Role of the Media in Preventing GBV: Awareness and Advocacy

The media can also play a significant role in prevention by highlighting solutions, advocating for change, and offering educational content. Media outlets can run public service announcements (PSAs) and advocacy campaigns that encourage people to speak out against GBV, educate on healthy relationships, and provide resources for survivors.

For example, rather than focusing on the horror of a rape case, a media campaign could focus on the message: “Rape is Preventable – It Starts with You.” This could be followed by educational segments or interviews with experts explaining the importance of consent, respecting boundaries, and how community-driven efforts can reduce instances of violence.

Another powerful tool in the media’s arsenal is social media, where movements like #MeToo have already demonstrated the potential of online platforms to shine a light on our issues and create spaces for survivors to share their stories. These platforms can be used to create conversations around the broader issue of GBV, challenge societal norms, and engage audiences in real-time solutions.

 4. The Impact of GBV Reporting on Policy and Public Response

The way the media covers GBV can directly influence public policy and government response. Media coverage of high-profile GBV cases can often pressure governments to take action, as it brings the issue to the forefront of national discourse. However, the influence of media is only positive when it encourages accountability and action, rather than reinforcing a narrative of hopelessness.

Instead of framing GBV as an inevitable epidemic that “just happens,” the media should call attention to policy gaps and highlight the need for change. This could include advocating for better public infrastructure (like street lighting or safe spaces), more comprehensive legal protections for victims, and better support services for survivors, especially in rural or under-resourced areas.

 5. The Need for Comprehensive Media Training

To ensure responsible and educational media coverage of GBV, there must be a stronger focus on media training. Journalists and reporters need to be equipped with a deeper understanding of GBV and trained to cover it in a way that avoids sensationalism and victim-blaming language. Training should also emphasise intersectionality, recognising that GBV affects different communities in different ways, whether it’s based on race, class, sexual orientation, or disability.

The media should be trained to focus on the structural and cultural factors that perpetuate GBV and avoid reducing it to isolated incidents. By providing a more holistic view of the issue, the media can encourage the public to see GBV as a societal problem that requires a collective response.

Moving Toward a Solution-Oriented Narrative

The media has the power to shape public perceptions and influence the response to GBV, but it must move away from sensationalised reporting and begin presenting the issue in a more solution-oriented and educational manner. By highlighting systemic causes, advocating for preventive measures, and highlighting survivor strength and resilience, the media can play a key role in reducing GBV and fostering a culture of respect and safety.

At Tears, we believe that real change starts with education, awareness, and collective action. It’s not enough to merely report on the tragedies of GBV; we are committed to challenging harmful societal norms, empowering survivors, and driving long-term transformation. Together, we can make a difference.

To learn more about how we are helping to address GBV, explore our resources, or find out how you can contribute to the cause. Your support, whether through a donation, spreading awareness, or simply learning more, helps us take meaningful steps toward creating a safer and more just world for all.