Community Radio commits to responsible reporting of domestic violence

Today, on behalf of the community broadcasting sector, the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia joined other media organisations at Parliament House to make a public stand against violence towards women and their children.

The CBAA has also committed to supporting responsible reporting on this issue in line with guidelines released by Our Watch.

These guidelines are intended to assist journalists in their reporting on domestic violence and include clarification around preferred terminology, and guidance to ensure that factors such as safety of victims, contextual information around reporting, and expert comment are priorities.

“Community radio is made by communities, for communities, and this includes the one in six women that have experienced physical or sexual violence at the hands of a current or former partner” said Community Broadcasting Association of Australia Chief Executive Officer Jon Bisset.

“Community radio news services can and should play critical role in shaping public understanding of the causes and context of violence against women and their children. Today, on behalf of the sector, we commit to responsible reporting of these issues,”

The Minister for Women, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash also commented on the importance of this commitment. “The media have a very powerful and unique role to play in bringing attention to the issue of domestic violence and in driving the cultural change that is required to see it reduced and ultimately eradicated. I commend CBAA and community radio stations across Australia for their being committed to being part of the solution when it comes to addressing domestic violence.”

CBA is also hosting a webinar for the responsible reporting of domestic violence on Monday 14th December. Presented by Kristine Ziwica, it will explain the key principles behind the responsible reporting of domestic violence and how they can be applied to the community broadcasting context.

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