If you had to guess what this article is about from the Fox News headline you could easily think some guy ran over a random woman’s foot. And the mention of “strip club parking lot” adds a salacious element that could easily play into asking for trouble myths about women.

It’s nearly impossible to tell from this headline that a woman is dead and police allege her boyfriend knocked her down with his car and then killed her by drivng over her. Her two and three year old children were watching from a nearby car, which he also allegedly rammed.

The article itself is clear about the charge and police version of events. It also adds context by stating that 54 domestic violence murders have occurred in Phoenix this year, quotes police on how power and control is used by abusers, and includes information on the national domestic violence hotline.

The reporter did a good job. Whoever wrote the headline did them a disservice and a far greater one to the victim and her children.

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


US HELPLINE

National Domestic Violence HotlinE
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
PH: 1-800-799-7233
http://www.thehotline.org/

AUSTRALIAN HELPLINE

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

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