The Illawarra Mercury reported that a 50 year old man was charged with charged with reckless wounding, contravene a domestic violence order and breaching bail in relation to an alleged assault in Wollongong.
Police allege he pushed the woman backwards onto a bed, called her offensive names and punched her in the head while holding a knife.
The headline described all these alleged assaults as a “text message dispute”.
To be clear, the man has not yet been tried and is entitled to the presumption of innocence. This commentary is not about his guilt or innocence, which can only be determined by the court. This post is solely about the way the charges were reported in the media.
Police provided details of the alleged assault, making it clear the allegations were serious and violent. A “text message dispute” makes it sound like a disagreement over which their/they’re/there to use.
Minimising and hiding allegations of violence is yet another way the media erases men’s violence against women.
Words matter and this is why Fixed It still exists.
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
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