Analysis of media reporting on sexual violence in New Zealand

An analysis of media reporting on sexual violence in New Zealand has just been released. Reporting Sexual Violence in Aotearoa New Zealand by the TOAH-NNEST Tauiwi Prevention Project is based on an audit of 6 months of print media in 2012. The analysis of the 102 news reports examined how sexual violence was described and who was quoted in the articles.

Findings included:

• Reporting was largely restricted to events surrounding the investigation and trial of those accused of sexual violence, rather than coverage of sexual violence as a community issue.
• Sexual violence stories seldom included expert commentary. Of the 160 people quoted in the articles, specialist sexual violence agencies made up 8%, non-specialist sexual violence academics made up 4% and specialist sexual violence researchers or academics were not quoted in any articles.

Six key areas in which the accuracy of reporting could be improved were identified:

1. Sexual violence is not 'just sex'
2. It is rare for a survivor to lie about being raped
3. Violent stranger danger sexual violence is rare
4. Unfortunately, rapists do not stand out
5. Being raped is worse than being accused of rape
6. Sexual violence has no excuses

The resource was developed to assist journalists to write more accurate news stories. It includes recommendations based on current reporting, statistics, a guide to the law and contact information for sexual violence specialists who are happy to talk to the media.

The It's Not OK Campaign has also developed a resource which may assist people wanting to speak to the media. Speak up: Use the media to prevent family violence is available from the It's Not OK website.