NewsMail reported on a man who was convicted on what the magistrate called “protracted..intimidation, emotional abuse”. The article is a litany of coercive and controlling behaviour that led to police filing charges which led to conviction. When she was interviewed by police she “broke down and said she didn’t care what happened to her and didn’t care if he killed her”.

This article appeared under a headline that perpetuates the abuse rather than reporting it. The headline doesn’t even hint at the fact the man was charged and convicted of crimes over this behaviour. The woman is not a person in the headline, she’s a “cheating fear” – she only exists as source of emotional discomfort for her parter, her fear and trauma is not real or relevant.

This is not the worst example of the media perpetuating myths that enable men’s violence against women, it’s just the most recent example of it.

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

MensLine Australia
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Phone: 1300 78 99 78
www.mensline.org.au

Child Wise National Abuse Helpline
Mon-Fri: 9 am – 5 pm
Ph: 1800 99 10 99
www.childwise.org.au

Author