The Brisbane Times reported that a Queensland man, who allegedly stabbed his partner and abducted their baby, was charged with domestic violence offences, including common assault, assault occasioning bodily harm, strangulation, threatening violence and wounding.
The baby was found later that night and was thankfully uninjured. The woman was taken to hospital with serious injuries.
Abducting children is a serious criminal offence and should be included in a headline, but so is attacking a woman with a knife. Why erase the woman and the knife assault from the headline?
We know domestic abuse is a critical issue in lockdown. The lockdown also presents problems with reporting abuse to police and the media’s ability to report on violent crimes (I’ll have more to say on that in the next day or so). This makes it all the more crucial that when domestic abuse is reported, it is done so properly. Erasing violent attacks against women from the headlines is not reporting it responsibly.
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 732www.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
