In a world where true gender equity remains a distant dream, the media wields immense power to shape perceptions and drive change. Yet, recent events have highlighted a disturbing trend: the sensationalisation of gender-based violence at the cost of responsible journalism.

According to the 2024 SDG Gender Index, at our current pace, we won't achieve gender equality until the 22nd century. This glacial progress isn't just about policies and practices—it's deeply tied to the language we use and how we talk about gender-related issues.

A summer of violence: examining media’s role

This summer we’ve witnessed a wave of several high-profile cases of gender-based violence—each thread a stark reminder of the pervasive threat faced by women and girls across all sectors of society. The brutal Southport murders shattered the innocence of a Taylor Swift dance class, claiming three young lives. Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei's promising career was cut tragically short; her life ended by an ex-partner in a horrific act of violence. In Hertfordshire, a family's sanctuary was violated by a vicious crossbow assault, while in Greater Manchester, caretaker Alberta Obinim fell victim to a savage knife attack.

These headline-grabbing cases, however, represent merely the visible tip of an iceberg of violence that continues to plague our society with devastating consequences. They underscore the critical role media plays in shaping public perception and influencing policy responses to gender-based violence.

In fact, media reporting on gender-based violence is crucial for informing public understanding and guiding policy decisions. According to the Global Media Monitoring Project, there is a stark imbalance in media representation, with 46% of news stories reinforcing harmful gender stereotypes and only 4% challenging these narratives. This imbalance highlights the urgent need for responsible reporting that accurately reflects the realities of gender-based violence.

More recently, the case of Gisèle Pelicot in France has cast a spotlight on the media's handling of such sensitive issues. Gisèle's ex-husband stands accused of drugging her and inviting dozens of men to rape her while unconscious—a horrifying ordeal that has captivated public attention.

Yet, the media's coverage has often fallen short of responsible journalism.

The Mirror, for instance, drew sharp criticism for its insensitive juxtaposition of images: an accused rapist's tears alongside an out-of-context photo of Gisèle smiling. This editorial choice not only trivialised Gisèle's trauma but risked skewing public perception.

Similarly, the Telegraph's initial headline: ‘Wife takes public revenge on men who 'raped her every night on husband's orders’ exemplifies the sensationalism that often plagues reporting on gender-based violence. Though later amended, the damage was done. This framing reinforced harmful stereotypes about women seeking vengeance, mischaracterising the pursuit of justice as an act of retaliation rather than a fundamental right and diverting attention from the gravity of the crime itself.

These critical errors in media coverage (whether intentional or not) reaffirm the pressing need for more responsible, nuanced reporting on gender-based violence—a challenge that demands immediate attention from journalists and editors alike.

The impact of language in gender reporting

These headlines highlight broader issues in how we use language when discussing gender and violence against women. The European Institute for Gender Equality identifies gender-discriminatory language as:

• Invisibility and omission: using men as the generic norm, erasing women from public discourse.
• Subordination and trivialisation: using language that portrays one gender, often women, as inferior or belittles their experiences.

Although the criminal justice system legally requires journalists to use words like "alleged" during a trial, it's been proven repeatedly that frequent use can imply doubt about the victim's account. According to Sarah Green, Director of the End Violence Against Women Coalition, "The use of 'alleged' can inadvertently cast doubt on victims' experiences. We need to find a balance between legal requirements and responsible reporting that doesn't undermine survivors."

A call for responsible reporting

The End Violence Against Women coalition (EVAW) is set to publish a guide on ‘Reporting on Rape, Changing the Narrative’ calling for higher standards set by press regulators to address these issues.

As communicators, we play a vital role in leading by example when it comes to addressing gender-based violence. Responsible reporting isn't just about avoiding misleading images and getting the facts right; it's about providing context that shows how deep-rooted this issue really is.

Picture a world where every article not only informs but also empowers. By including statistics that highlight the prevalence of gender violence, seeking insights from experts and advocates, and using gender-sensitive language, we can create a fuller picture—one that goes beyond just law enforcement perspectives.

Let's rethink our language to hold people accountable. Instead of saying ‘woman was assaulted,’ let's say ‘man assaulted woman.’ This small change makes it clear who is responsible and helps push back against victim-blaming narratives.

By courageously challenging harmful narratives, we can help build a more equitable society. Together - one where headlines refuse to trivialise trauma and where gender equality becomes an immediate imperative, not a distant 22nd-century aspiration.