Perspective is everything.
Whoever read this article and then wrote this headline for News Mail ignored the man’s conviction on five counts of common assault as a domestic violence offence. They ignored the quote in the first line about his “complete disregard” for domestic violence orders. They ignored the sentence about the “large number of domestic violence contraventions in his criminal history”. They ignored the description of him pushing his partner a number of times, putting his hand over her mouth so she couldn’t call for help, holding her down on a bed and refusing to leave her workplace.
The person who wrote this headline ignored everything in the article that describes an abusive man with a history of disregarding parole and fines for domestic violence. Instead they chose the one phrase that erases his ongoing violent choices and implied the woman he’s been abusing is just being silly. It’s an “over reaction”.
What might motivate someone to do that, I wonder?
(If you’re reading this on social media, links are in the OP at www.patreon.com/JaneGilmore )
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FixedIt is an ongoing project to push back against the media’s constant erasure of violent men and blaming of innocent victims. If you would like to help fund it – even $5 a month makes a big difference – please consider becoming a Patron
If you would like to know more about how and why the media’s erasure of men’s violence against women occurs, the Fixed It book is out now!
Buy your copy here or at any good bookstore. Extracts available on why Fixed It started inThe Guardian, rape and other violence myths in The Age/Sydney Morning Herald and the Good Guy trope on my website.
1800 RESPECT
Sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling and support.24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Ph: 1800 737 732
www.1800respect.org.au
Djirra – Aboriginal Family Violence Response & Support Service
9am – 9pm, Monday to Friday
Ph: 1800 105 303
djirra.org.au
Suicide Call Back Service
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Ph: 1300 659 467
www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au
Kids Helpline
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Phone: 1800 55 1800
www.kidshelp.com.au
MensLine Australia
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Phone: 1300 78 99 78
www.mensline.org.au
Men’s Referral Service
Monday – Friday – 8am-9pm
Weekends – 9am-6pm
Ph: 1300 766 491
www.ntv.org.au/get-help
