Expert tasks journalists on objective reporting on gender violence

Here are some expert tasks that journalists can follow to ensure objective reporting on gender violence:

Task 1: Understand the issue

• Research the prevalence and impact of gender violence in your community or region.
• Familiarize yourself with the legal and social frameworks that address gender violence.
• Consult with experts, including advocates, law enforcement officials, and healthcare providers.

Task 2: Use accurate and respectful language

• Avoid using language that is sensational, stigmatizing, or perpetuates harmful stereotypes.
• Use terms such as "gender-based violence" or "gender violence" instead of "domestic violence" or "wife beating."
• Avoid using language that blames or shames survivors of gender violence.

Task 3: Focus on the facts

• Stick to verifiable facts and avoid speculation or hearsay.
• Report on the specific incidents or cases, rather than making generalizations or assumptions.
• Avoid using language that implies guilt or responsibility on the part of the survivor.

Task 4: Use survivor-centered language

• Use language that prioritizes the experiences and perspectives of survivors of gender violence.
• Avoid using language that implies that survivors are to blame for the violence they have experienced.
• Use language that acknowledges the power imbalance and control that perpetrators of gender violence often exert over their victims.

Task 5: Avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes

• Avoid reporting on gender violence in a way that perpetuates harmful stereotypes about gender, race, class, sexuality, or other social categories.
• Avoid using language that implies that certain groups of people are more likely to be perpetrators or survivors of gender violence.
• Avoid reporting on gender violence in a way that reinforces harmful gender norms or stereotypes.

Task 6: Provide context and background information

• Provide context about the social, economic, and political factors that contribute to gender violence.
• Report on the efforts of advocates, organizations, and governments to address gender violence.
• Provide information about resources and support services available to survivors of gender violence.

Task 7: Avoid victim-blaming or shaming

• Avoid reporting on gender violence in a way that blames or shames survivors for the violence they have experienced.
• Avoid using language that implies that survivors are responsible for the violence they have experienced.
• Avoid reporting on gender violence in a way that implies that survivors are to blame for not leaving an abusive relationship or reporting the violence.

Task 8: Use inclusive language

• Use language that is inclusive of all genders, sexualities, and abilities.
• Avoid using language that assumes a binary gender system or that excludes non-binary or gender-nonconforming individuals.
• Use language that acknowledges the diversity of experiences and perspectives of survivors of gender violence.

Task 9: Consult with experts and advocates

• Consult with experts, including advocates, law enforcement officials, and healthcare providers, to ensure that your reporting is accurate and informed.
• Consult with survivors of gender violence to ensure that your reporting is respectful and survivor-centered.
• Consult with organizations and advocates who work with survivors of gender violence to ensure that your reporting is accurate and informed.

Task 10: Follow up and follow through

• Follow up with your reporting to provide updates and additional information.
• Follow through on your reporting by holding perpetrators accountable and advocating for policy changes and support services for survivors of gender violence.

By following these expert tasks, journalists can ensure that their reporting on gender violence is accurate, respectful, and survivor-centered, and that it helps to promote a culture of accountability and support for survivors of gender violence.