Reporting On Gender-Based Violence - SaferSpaces
Reporting onGender-Based Violence:A Guide for Journalists and Editors
Cape Town Office:2nd Floor Westminster House122 Longmarket StreetCape Town8001T: 021 423 7088Cape Town Office:22 Draper SquareDraper StreetClaremont7735T: 021 788 1931Johannesburg Office:3rd Floor Stevensons Building62 Juta StreetBraamfontein2017T: 011 339 3589Johannesburg Office:Office 5, 1st FloorB2 House8 Tyrwhitt AvenueRosebank2196T: 011 880 0995Bushbuckridge Office:Agincourt Health CentreBushbuckridge Local MunicipalityMpumalangaT: 013 795 5076Email aEmail etherJuly 2017Acknowledgements:Suggested citation: Sonke Gender Justice andHealth-E News. (2017). Reporting on Gender-BasedViolence: A Guide for Journalists and Editors. SonkeGender Justice and Health-E News, Cape Town:South Africa. Sonke Gender Justice staff for their genderbased violence expertise and ideas during theplanning phases of this guide. Rebecca Davis, Wessel van den Berg, KerryCullinan, Fatima Schroeder, Gill Gifford,Mia Malan and Masutane Modjadji for their casestudy contribution.This work is licensed under a Creative CommonsAttribution 4.0 International License .Written by: Marike KellerInput by: Karen Robertson, Gadeeja Abbas,Ariane Nevin, Zia Wasserman, Nabeelah Mia, andMarlise Richter from Sonke Gender Justice, and GillGifford, Kerry Cullinan and Kim Harrisberg fromHealth-E News.Supported by a grant from the Australian HighCommission and Norad.
Table of ContentsAbbreviationsWhy the Need for a Guide to Reporting on Gender-Based Violence?3How to Use this Guide4Useful Definitions5Understanding Gender-Based Violence7Types of Gender-Based Violence7Data on Gender-Based Violence in South Africa8HOW TOThe Importance of ContextPUBLIC USE210Rape Culture12Myths and Facts about GBV14Why Some GBV Survivors Don’t Report16The Importance of Language18Checklist when Reporting on Gender-Based Violence20Working with News Editors22Tips for Interviews24Before an Interview24During an Interview26After an Interview27Interviewing Children28Broadcasting Interviews29Types of Questions to Ask31Remedies for Unfair Treatment by the Media32Publication32Broadcasting33Social Media33Conclusion34Appendix A: Sample Informed Consent Form Before an Interview35Appendix B: Further Definitions36Appendix C: Rights of a Survivor37Appendix D: Referrals38National Helpline Numbers38Thuthuzela Care Centres38Appendix E: Expert Organisations41Appendix F: Code of Ethics and Conduct for South African Print and Online Media43Appendix G: How to Lodge a Complaint with the Press Council49Appendix H: How to Lodge a Complaint with the Broadcasting Commission50
AbbreviationsGBV: Gender-Based ViolenceIPV: Intimate Partner ViolenceDV: Domestic ViolenceVAW: Violence Against WomenLGBTQIA: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, AsexualSAPS: South African Police ServiceCreative handling of a sensitivestory can not only retain thedignity and respect of thoseinvolved, but can be used as apowerful tool to effect change."- GILL GIFFORD, HEALTH-E NEWS EDITOR
Why the Need for a Guide toReporting on Gender-BasedViolence?Rates of gender-based violence (GBV) in SouthAfrica are staggeringly high, with a recentstudy in 2016 by StatsSA1 indicating that onein five partnered women have experiencedphysical violence in the 12 months prior to thesurvey.In developing this guide, it isunderstood that journalists andeditors work under immense pressure,and that at times it may feel thatethics should take a backseat whenreporting on a big story. Yet we askthat journalists and their editorshold this guide in mind and ensurethat they report in a way that is inthe best interests of the survivorswhose stories are being told.Still, GBV remains largely hidden andconsigned to the private sphere, thusdiminishing the public discussions aboutviolence. The media has an important role toplay in shining a light on what has until nowremained silent and to change this perceptionand to reshape the conversations to galvanizeaction for change.With the increase in reporting on cases of GBVin the media in recent months, we have seenthe potential of the mainstream media to affectthe way that we think, understand and talkabout violence within our communities.It is important for journalists to write aboutGBV to break the silence around violence,and do so in a way that is responsibleand educational. Yet, regrettably, somepublications report on GBV insensitively andinaccurately, thereby sensationalising incidentsof GBV and fuelling secondary victimisation ofsurvivors (see Useful Definitions).This guide was created by Sonke GenderJustice in collaboration with Health-ENews. The purpose thereof is to provideguidance for journalists and editors whoare reporting on issues of GBV to do so ina sensitive and respectful manner and inline with the South African Code of Ethics2(see Appendix F). The guide was developedwith the acknowledgement of the media’spower to inform and influence the public’sunderstanding of GBV.In developing this guide, it is understood thatjournalists and editors work under immensepressure, and that at times it may feel thatethics should take a backseat when reportingon a big story. Yet we ask that journalists andtheir editors hold this guide in mind and ensurethat they report in a way that is in the bestinterests of the survivors whose stories arebeing told.1Stats SA (2017). South Africa Demographic and Health Survey 2016: Key Indicator Report. Available at: http:// Report%2003-00-092016.pdf.2Press Council of South Africa. Code of Ethics and Conduct for South African Print and Online Media. Available de PRESSCODE.A Guide for Journalists and Editors3
How to Use this GuideThis guide provides you with helpful guidelines when reporting on GBV and pointers on howto avoid common pitfalls.IN THIS GUIDE YOU WILL FIND:a Useful definitionsa An understanding of GBV within the broader South African contexta Rape culture and commonly held beliefs and mythsa What language to use and avoida A checklist of do’s and don’ts when writing up your articlea Tips for interviewing survivors of GBVa Sample informed consent form for interviewing survivorsa List of referrals for you to have on hand during interviewsa List of expert organisations to reach out to for commenta The Code of Ethics and Conduct for South African Print and Online Mediaa How to lodge complaints with the Press Council and the Broadcasting CommissionThis guide is informed by an intersectional approach to GBV, recognising that various experiencesof race, class, sexuality, gender identity and expression, citizenship status, criminalisation, andother forms of oppression, contribute towards the varied experiences of GBV survivors3.We hope this guide will be a valuable tool and resource for you in providing the knowledge youneed to contribute towards a supportive public discourse on GBV.NOTE: Engaging with stories of GBV can result in vicarious trauma (trauma you mayexperience by being exposed to many horrific and traumatic stories), or may trigger your ownmemories. Ensure that you debrief and also receive trauma counselling when necessary andencourage other journalists to do so as well.34For the purposes of this guide, we use the term “survivor”, as opposed to “victim”. We recognize that people whohave been subjected to gender-based violence have the right to choose how they want to be referred to in mediastories. See the definitions provided in the Useful Definitions section.A Guide for Journalists and Editors
Useful DefinitionsWhen reporting on GBV, it is critical touse the correct terminology with a clearunderstanding of their definitions to ensurethat you report accurately and from aninformed position. Below we provide a list offrequently used terms related to GBV. Theseare not exhaustive. For additional definitionsrelated to gender and sexual identities,please refer to Appendix B of this Guide.DOMESTIC VIOLENCECONSENTINTIMATE FEMICIDEWhen someone unambiguously and voluntarilyagrees to do something, fully understandingthe consequences of their decision, and theydo so without any coercion, such as the use offorce or threats to their safety. Relenting andsubmitting do not equate to consent. In orderfor consent to be real, the person must not bedrunk, drugged or deceived.The killing of a female person by an intimatepartner (i.e. her current or ex-husband orboyfriend, same sex partner or a rejectedwould-be lover).INFORMED CONSENTTo be distinguished from ‘consent’ above, asit refers specifically to the approval or assentwhen someone carefully understands theconsequences of a decision and consents freelywithout any force.GENDER-BASED VIOLENCEViolence against another person becauseof their gender. The violence can bephysical, sexual, psychological, economic orcultural. While GBV is largely experiencedas violence against women, it can affect allpeople, including men, and gay, lesbian,bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex(LGBTQI) persons.A pattern of behaviour which involves genderbased violence by one person against anotherin a domestic setting. It includes spouses,persons cohabiting, family members andchildren.INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCEDomestic violence against a spouse or partner.RAPENon-consensual penetration, however slight, ofthe vagina, anus or mouth by a penis, any otherbody part or object.COMPELLED RAPEWhen a person ‘A’ unlawfully and intentionallycompels, through the use of threats or theuse of force, another person ‘B’ without theirconsent, to rape a third person ‘C’. In this case,person ‘A’ has committed compelled rape.SEXUAL VIOLENCE/ABUSEA broad category incorporating various formsof sexual violence, including, but not limited to,rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment.SEXUAL ASSAULTThe sexual violation of person A by person Bwithout person A’s consent.A Guide for Journalists and Editors5
COMPELLED SEXUAL ASSAULTECONOMIC ABUSESimilar to compelled rape, when a person ‘A’unlawfully and intentionally compels, throughthe use of threats or the use of force, anotherperson ‘B’ without their consent, to sexuallyassault a third person ‘C’. In this case, person‘A’ has committed compelled sexual assault.When an intimate partner ‘A’ has controlover their partner ‘B’s access to economicresources, to which ‘B’ is entitled under law orrequires out of necessity, resulting in ‘B’ beingfinancially dependent on ‘A’. This form of abusecan be used by ‘A’ as a means to control ‘B’.SURVIVOR/VICTIMHARASSMENTA person who has experienced genderbased violence. Whilst the terms ‘victim’ and‘survivor’ are sometimes used interchangeably,‘victim’ is a term most often used in the legaland medical sectors, while ‘survivor’ is a termgenerally preferred in the psychological andsocial support sectors.Covers a wide range of behaviours of anoffensive nature. Engaging in a pattern ofconduct that induces fear of harm, upsets ordisturbs another.PHYSICAL ABUSEAny act or threatened act of physical violencetowards another causing injury or trauma,including but not limited to, hitting, slapping,kicking, punching, pushing.EMOTIONAL ABUSEA pattern of degrading or humiliating conducttowards another, including verbal abuse,threats to cause emotional pain, manipulationand intimidation, and repeated exhibition ofobsessive possessiveness or jealousy.PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSESubjecting another to emotional and verbalabuse which may result in psychologicaltrauma, including anxiety, depression or posttraumatic stress disorder.VERBAL ABUSEA form of emotional abuse, including constantcriticism, repeated insults and name calling.CULTURAL/RELIGIOUS ABUSEWhen a person is harmed as a result ofpractices that are part of their culture, religionor tradition.6A Guide for Journalists and EditorsSEXUAL HARASSMENTUnwanted sexual advances or obsceneremarks, including verbal and non-verbalconduct. Examples include touching,unwelcome jokes, whistling, rude gestures,unwanted questions about your sex life,requests for sex, staring at your body inan offensive way, or promising rewards inexchange for sexual favours, to name a few.INTIMIDATIONUttering or conveying a threat, or causinganother to receive a threat, therebyinducing fear.PATRIARCHYA system within families, communities, societyor government in which men hold the powerand women are largely excluded from it.INTERSECTIONALITYThe overlap of different social identities relatedto systems of privilege or oppression, that,when intersecting, create a whole with multiplesocial identities, privileges and experiencesof oppression, that is more complicated thaneach of the individual identities. These socialidentities can include gender, race, class,sexuality, ethnicity, nationality, religion, anddisability to name a few.
Understanding Gender-BasedViolenceGender-based violence (GBV) is violenceagainst another person because of theirgender. It can be physical, emotional, sexual,verbal, psychological, economic or cultural.While GBV is largely experienced as violenceagainst women, it can affect all people,including men, and gay, lesbian, bisexual,transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI)persons.Types of Gender-Based ViolenceSEXUAL ABUSECULTURAL/RELIGIOUS ABUSEBroad category incorporating various forms ofsexual violence, including, but not limited to,rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment.When a person is harmed as a result ofpractices that are part of their culture, religionor tradition.PHYSICAL ABUSEECONOMIC ABUSEAny act or threatened act of physical violencetowards another causing injury or trauma,including but not limited to, hitting, slapping,kicking, punching, pushing.When one intimate partner has control over theother partner’s access to economic resourcesentitled under law or required out of necessity,resulting in them depending on the perpetratorfinancially.EMOTIONAL ABUSEA pattern of degrading or humiliating conducttowards another, including verbal abuse,threats to cause emotional pain, manipulationand intimidation, and repeated exhibition ofobsessive possessiveness or jealousy.PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSESubjecting another to emotional and verbalabuse which may result in psychologicaltrauma, including anxiety, depression or posttraumatic stress disorder.VERBAL ABUSEA form of emotional abuse, including constantcriticism, repeated insults and name calling.Gender-based violence (GBV) isviolence against another personbecause of their gender. It canbe physical, emotional, sexual,verbal, psychological, economicor cultural. While GBV is largelyexperienced as violence againstwomen, it can affect all people,including men, and gay, lesbian,bisexual, transgender, queer andintersex (LGBTQI) persons.A Guide for Journalists and Editors7
Many people think that GBV is the same as Violence Against Women (VAW), Domestic Violence(DV) and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and use these terms interchangeably. The table belowdescribes the differences between the four terms.TABLE 1: VARIOUS TERMS AND EXPLANATIONS USED FOR VIOLENCEGender-Based Violence (GBV)Violence Against Women (VAW)GBV is the most inclusive term used whendescribing violence against another personbecause of their gender.VAW is a type of GBV and narrowly focussesonly on violence perpetrated against thehomogenous category of ‘women’. It thereforeexcludes men, boys, transgender men andother population groups that are not women.Domestic Violence (DV)Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)DV is a pattern of behaviour which involvesGBV by one person against another ina domestic setting. It includes spouses,persons cohabiting and family members.IPV is a type of domestic violence againsta spouse or intimate partner. It does notinclude other relationships in domesticsettings, e.g. family members.Data on Gender-Based Violence in South AfricaWhen writing an article about GBV, you arethe lack of disaggregated data (as you will seestrongly encouraged to provide up-to-datebelow for each category), makes it difficult tostatistics and qualify these by taking intoidentify trends and patterns accurately.account the unreliability of police statistics andthe gross underreporting of GBV crimes. Overall.the decline in reportedsexual offences and rapes inrecent years is not necessarilysomething to celebrate.Moreover, the decline in reported sexualoffences and rapes in recent years is notnecessarily something to celebrate. Thisdecline is indicative of fewer people reporting(see page 16 for possible reasons why). It isimportant to be cautious of making blanketstatements based on statistics without takingthese factors account.4Available at 6.pdf.5Africa Check (2015). Factsheet: South Africa’s 2014/15 assault and sexual crime statistics. Available at: s/.6Statistics South Africa (2017). South Africa Demographic and Health Survey 2016: Key Indicator Report. Available 003-00-09/Report%2003-00-092016.pdf.8A Guide for Journalists and Editors
Some of the most recent statistics and challenges related to these are as follows:M I SL ADBELLEDomestic Violence: DV is not recorded by police as a specific crimecategory. When cases of DV are reported to police, they are recordedunder a range of different categories such as assault, malicious damageto property, murder etc. Although the Domestic Violence Act 116 of1998 4 requires police stations to record incidents of DV in a register, thelast compliance audit conducted by the Civilian Secretariat for Police(CSP) in 2014 found that only two out of 145 police stations under auditwere fully compliant with the Act – a mere 1.4% of the sample size5.Underreporting of DV is also widespread. Possible reasons for this areoutlined on page 16.Intimate Partner Violence: One in five partnered women has experiencedphysical violence at the hands of a partner in the last 12 months6.Femicide: A woman is killed by her intimate partner every 8 hours inSouth Africa7.Sexual Offences: In the year 2015/16 there were 51 895 reported sexual offences8. These includeall 70 sub-categories of sexual offences listed in the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and RelatedMatters) Amendment Act 32 of 20079, ranging from rape through to sex work and bestiality.Rape: Between April 2016 and December 2016, the police recorded a total of 30 069 rapecases. This amounts to an average of 109.3 rapes per day10. Research has shown that due towidespread underreporting the actual figures could be up to nine times higher than thosereported11, with another study conducted in Gauteng specifically, placing this at only 1 in 2512.Possible reasons for high levels of underreporting, are outlined on page 16.7Abrahams, N., Mathews, S., Jewkes, R., Martin, L. J., and Lombard, C., (2012). Every Eight Hours: Intimate Femicide inSouth Africa 10 years later!. South African Medical Research Council. Available at: pdf.8Crime Stats SA (2016). National Crime Statistics. Available at: e at: 2.pdf.10Africa Check (2017). Factsheet: South Africa’s crime statistics for April to December 2016. Available at: ewkes, R., and Abrahams, N. (2002). The epidemiology of rape and sexual coercion in South Africa: An overview.Social Science and Medicine, 55(7), pp. 1231-1244. Available at: 0277953601002428.12Machisa, M., Jewkes, R., Morna, C. L., & Rama, K. (2012). The Way at Home: Gender Based Violence Indicators Project:Gauteng Research Report. Gender Linke and Medical Research Council: Johannesburg, South Africa. Available 2011-08-16/.A Guide for Journalists and Editors9
The Importance of ContextWhen reporting on GBV, it is important toprovide the context within which the abuseoccurred. This does not simply mean “where,what and how”, but rather the broadersocietal context that lends itself to a betterunderstanding of the underlying drivers of GBV.In South Africa, two key factors that influencelevels of GBV are strong patriarchal gendernorms and the intersection of race, gender,class and other identities that underlieoppression. It is important for informedconversations about GBV that these factorsare unpacked when reporting on this topic:A) PATRIARCHYIn South Africa, we need to be conscious ofthe patriarchy ingrained within our society.Through these norms, societal institutionsprivilege men and subjugate women, therebyreinforcing men’s superiority and dominance.This plays out in many ways, including men’sfeelings of entitlement to respect, sex andcontrol, which often results in men exercisingtheir power over women and children throughviolence. Patriarchy is also a contributing factorto the perpetuation of rape culture and rapemyths13.B) INTERSECTIONALITYSome people are more vulnerable to abuseand have less access to services based ontheir race, class, ethnicity, sexuality, genderidentity, citizenship status (e.g. refugees),criminalisation of profession (i.e. sex workers),disability, and religion.In South Africa, two key factors that influence levels of GBVare strong patriarchal gender norms and the intersectionof race, gender, class and other identities that underlieoppression. It is important for informed conversations about GBVthat these factors are unpacked when reporting on this topic.1310Jewkes, R., Sikweyiya, Y., Morrell, R., & Dunkle, K. (2011). “Gender Inequitable Masculinity and Sexual Entitlement inRape Perpetration South Africa: Findings of a Cross-Sectional Study”. PLoS ONE. 6 (12).A Guide for Journalists and Editors
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Rape CultureRape culture is a term that we are seeing morefrequently on a variety of media platforms. Butwhat is it exactly?Rape culture is the social or cultural practicesand beliefs that allow for rape and sexualviolence to be normalised, accepted andexpected.Instances of rape culture in South Africainclude, victim blaming perceptions, wherebywe place the blame for GBV on the survivor,such as a girl or woman was raped becauseof what she wore, where she was at the timeor what she was doing. Such attitudes stilldominate the population’s thinking about rape.Often, we place the responsibility on women orgirls to change their behaviour and themselvesin order to be safe. Certain norms, like thebelief of rape myths (see page 14 for examplesof these) also contribute to rape culture. Mediais a powerful tool that can be used to challengeand curb these behaviours and beliefs amongstthe population.Rape culture is the socialor cultural practices andbeliefs that allow forrape and sexual violenceto be normalised,accepted and expected.LET’S LOOK AT SOME OTHER EXAMPLES OF RAPE CULTURE: Victim blaming. So-called “slut shaming”. Sexual objectification. The trivialising of rape. A denial that rape is widespread. Rape jokes and people who defend them.12A Guide for Journalists and Editors“Our team lostso badly.”“Yoh! We gotraped!”
Supporting star athletes who are charged with rapeor femicide and placing the blame on their victims fordestroying their careers. The automatic defence of celebrities accused of rapeor domestic violence due to their celebrity status.The expectation that it is the women’s responsibility totake measures to avoid being raped, instead of teachingpeople not to perpetrate rape. Blaming sex workers for putting themselves at riskbecause of their profession. Referencing a survivor’s sexual historyas an explanation for their rape. Cartoons that trivialise rape. Journalists who substitute the word“sex” for “rape”, as though they’re thesame thing.A Guide for Journalists and Editors13
Myths and Facts about GBVMYTH1“No” means“Yes” during sex.2Rape only occursoutdoors at nightand is perpetratedby a stranger.3A woman can’tbe raped by herhusband.FACT“No” always means “No”.In over 50% of rapes,the perpetrator is knownto the survivor14.Forcing someone to have sex when they don’t wantto is rape, even if they are married or have had sexmany times before.Marital rapeis a sexual offence accordingto South African legislation15.4Only women canbe raped.Anyone can be raped, including5The survivors wasraped becauses/he was wearing aminiskirt (or otherrevealing clothing).Appearance and clothing have nothing to dowith who is raped. Women are raped no matterwhat they wear: babies in nappies, old women intracksuits and nuns in habits have been raped.men and gender non-conforming people.Rape is the rapist’s fault, notthe survivor’s, no matter what they are wearing.14Vetten, L. (2014). Rape and Other Forms of Sexual Violence in South Africa. Policy Brief 72, Institute for SecurityStudies. Available at: lBrief72.pdf.15Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 32 of 2007. Available at: 2.pdf.14A Guide for Journalists and Editors
MYTH6GBV only affectspoor black women.FACTGBV can affect anyoneregardless of race, class, ethnicity, religion,educational level, sexuality and gender.It is true that South Africa has very high levels ofSouth Africa is “therape capital of theworld”.78underreporting anddiffering definitions of rape andrape; however,methods of recording incidents of rape makes thisinternational comparison impossible16.People rape becausethey want sex, and can’tcontrol their sexual urges.910Survivors allow intimatepartner violence to happenand they can easily leave ifthey really want to.Sex workerscannot be raped.16control over another person.Perpetrators can come from anywalk of life. They could be family members,Perpetrators aremonsters and sick.11not about sexualdesire, but about gaining power andRape isinfluential figures in the community or anyone who doesnot conform to the stereotype of a perpetrator.Many survivors areprevented from leavingviolent relationships due to feelings ofshame, guilt, lack of safe housing, economicdependency, and fear.Anyone can be raped ifthere is no consent, including sex workers.Africa Check (2016). Guide: Rape Statistics in South Africa. Available at: stics-in-south-africa/.A Guide for Journalists and Editors15
Why Some GBVSurvivors Don’t ReportThere are many reasons that a person wouldnot report a case of GBV to the police or tellfriends and family. These are consideredto be barriers to reporting. Some of thesebarriers include: FEAR OF NOT BEING BELIEVEDOR BEING ACCUSED OF LYING:By their family, community, police, andthe courts. STIGMA ANDDISCRIMINATION: The fear ofsocial exclusion and ridicule by their familyand community, and wanting to avoidbeing labelled as “damaged”. SECONDARY VICTIMISATION:Reliving the trauma when reporting topolice or medical personnel, and a lack ofsensitivity and victim blaming by officialsleading to re-traumatisation.16INTIMIDATION: The fear of reprisalsinstilled by the perpetrator. This is oftencoupled with a lack of confidence that thelegal process will result in a conviction andensure the safety of the survivor. FEAR OF UPSETTING THESTABILITY OF THE FAMILY:Wanting to keep the peace in the home. A Guide for Journalists and EditorsECONOMIC DEPENDENCY:The fear of the loss of economic supportby the perpetrator. LACK OF INFORMATION:Not knowing about the help that they canreceive and are entitled to by law. LACK OF TRUST IN POLICE:The belief that the police will not takethe incident seriously and will fail toinvestigate and solve the crime. LANGUAGE BARRIERS:Particularly in rural areas or for foreignnationals, there is a language barrier forsurvivors wanting to report.SHAME, GUILT, HUMILIATIONAND EMBARRASSMENT:Feelings that the incident was their faultand that they could have prevented it. DISTANCE TO POLICESTATIONS: Particularly in rural areas,many survivors do not report a case as thepolice stations are too far away and oftentimes they have no money to pay for thetransport to get to a police station.As discussed in ‘GBVStatistics’ on page 9,there is widespreadunderreporting of GBV. CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUSBARRIERS: Survivors remain inabusive relationships out of cultural andreligious obligations. At times they are toldto “pray about it” as a solution or resort tocultural means of resolving disputes (e.g.payment of damages by the perpetrator).
There are many reasons that a person wouldnot report a case of GBV to the police or tellfriends and family. These are considered to bebarriers to reporting.A Guide for Journalists and Editors17
HOW TOThe Importance of LanguageThe use of correct language is critical whenreporting on GBV, otherwise it could lead tostigmatisation, secondary victimisation andretraumatisation. Coverage of issues related toGBV can be improved through the careful andnuanced use of language. Over time, this hasthe potential to influence social attitudes andto curb rape culture. The table below highlightssome of the language do’s and don’ts when itcomes to reporting on GBV 17.DODON’TDO use the descriptor that aninterviewee prefers, e.g. “Survivor”.DON’T default to the descriptor“victim” unless this is the wording aninterviewee prefers.Many people prefer the term “survivor” becauseit conveys agency and resilience.DO use neutral language whendescribing a survivor sharing theirstory, e.g. “shares”, “tells” or“reports”.This implies that the survivor is speakingthe
Abbreviations GBV: Gender-Based Violence IPV: Intimate Partner Violence DV: Domestic Violence VAW: Violence Against Women LGBTQIA: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual SAPS: South African Police Service Creative handling of a sensitive story can not only retain the dignity and respect of those involved, but can be used as a
REDUCING GENDER BASED VIOLENCE 3 Reducing Gender-Based Violence Gender-based violence (GBV) is physical, psychological, or sexual violence perpetrated against an individual or group on the basis of gender or gender norms.
accessible and diverse gender information. It is one of a family of knowledge services based at IDS . Other recent publications in the Cutting Edge Pack series: Gender and Care, 2009 Gender and Indicators, 2007 Gender and Sexuality, 2007 Gender and Trade, 2006 Gender and Migration, 2005 Gender and ICTs, 2004 . 6.3.1 Gender mainstreaming .
NATIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN ON GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE & FEMICIDE 2020 – 2030 1. Foreword The unacceptably high levels of gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa are a blight on our national conscience, and . mation Management. Gender-based violence and femicide is an ill that has left no sector of society untouched.
Gender-Based Violence Globally. The United States Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence Globally (2016 update) has the goal “to marshal the United States’ expertise and capacity to prevent and respond to gender-based violence globally.” It has four objectives: 1) increasing coordination of GBV prevention and response; 2)
Community Dialogues on Gender -Based Violence Facilitator Guide 9 This guide includes 9 community dialogue sessions that have been designed to: 1. Improve participant knowledge about the negative consequences of gender-based violence on children, women, and men 2. Decrease attitudes of acceptability of gender-based violence
iii Policy Framework to address Gender-Based Violence in the Post-School Education and Training System The President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Mr Cyril Ramaphosa, in his address at the Presidential Summit on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide on 1 November 2018, said that gender-based violence is "a crisis that is tearing our society apart.
Gender-based violence – including physical, sexual, emotional and economic violence and abuse – is widespread globally. The most pervasive form of gender-based violence is intimate partner violence (IPV), also known as domestic violence or partner
Accounting for Nature: A Natural Capital Account of the RSPB’s estate in England 77. Puffin by Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com) 8. Humans depend on nature, not only for the provision of drinking water and food production, but also through the inspiring landscapes and amazing wildlife spectacles that enrich our lives. It is increasingly understood that protecting and enhancing the natural .
