Despite what you read in this headline, North Croydon is not dead. A woman, however, IS dead and her husband has been charged with her murder.

*Mr Brown has not yet been tried and is entitled to the presumption of innocence. If you are commenting on this post please keep in mind that any comments implying his guilt – which can only be established by a court – are sub judice contempt and could put his trial at risk.*

This is an outdated, but still common, trope in reporting allegations of men’s violence against women. The woman is erased from the headline and replaced with the location of the alleged crime.

Laneway rapist” – the laneway is fine.  “Wheelie Bin murder” – a woman is not a rubbish bin. “Tinder rapist” – Tinder hasn’t ever been harmed by men. “Toilet sex attack” – a woman is not a toilet and he was charged with attempted rape not “sex”. I could go on and on. And on. But you get the point.

Erasing women from headlines about allegations of men’s violence against women is ignorant, inaccurate, misleading, and unprofessional. We should be well past this by now.

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

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

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

Men’s Referral Service
Support for men who use violence and abuse.
7 days a week
Ph: 1300 766 491
https://ntv.org.au/get-help/

Books by Jane Gilmore

Fairy Tale Princesses Will Kill Your Children

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