Not Distrust and Fear, But Hope

The inclusion of gender studies in journalism programs is crucial for shaping ethical journalism that resonates with a journalist’s own conscience

Since the dawn of humanity, people have been social beings, needing interaction, driven by the instincts to learn and acquire news. Particularly with the Industrial Revolution, the emergence of mass communication tools has facilitated quick access to news.

In the modern age, mass media wields significant influence over society through its messages. The rapid dissemination of information to various groups and individuals has become an integral part of our lives, creating a natural process of news exchange and sharing. This has become so routine that we witness thousands of events in real time.

Among these events are reports of violence and murder against women. The language, images, headlines, and captions used by journalists in news articles raise the question: “Is journalism guided by ethical standards or by sensationalism?” This is particularly evident when we turn on the television or glance at the front pages of prominent newspapers or social media.

In the framework of journalism taught to us, fundamental principles include independence, objectivity, neutrality, and truthfulness. The press is also defined as the fourth estate, which monitors power on behalf of the public and reflects social issues. However, it often appears that the press is under various ideological and financial pressures, failing to uphold essential journalistic principles such as neutrality, freedom, and objectivity. This is especially evident in the frequent presence of gender-biased reporting in the media.

Violence against women is a universal issue and constitutes a violation of human rights. While thousands of women have been killed, injured, or subjected to sexual assault by men, the motives behind how news outlets report these events—whether for circulation, ratings, or awareness—remain contentious. In fact, what has caused reports of violence against women, often found on the third page of newspapers, to migrate to the front page over time?

The portrayal of women’s deaths in sensational headlines like “horror” and “atrocity,” along with graphic evidence from crime scenes—such as blood, knives, and images of the victim’s last moments—has become an integral part of front-page news, making it almost indispensable.

In mainstream visual and print media, women have not been able to escape representations as pitiable, defenseless victims, or as those killed, harassed, or raped because “the man was justified.” The details surrounding reports of murdered women reveal troubling narratives: a woman might have moved to a shelter only to be “persuaded” by her husband to return home, where he subsequently stabs her due to feelings of “betrayal.” This gendered narrative justifies the man’s violence, shifting focus from the woman’s murder to his perceived “justification.”

While such reports may be filed as complaints by many readers, the explicit details surrounding the woman’s death—without censorship or restraint, and dramatized for media consumption—further victimizes the victim, her family, and loved ones. Moreover, the media’s tendency to present potentially harmful details, without considering the implications for viewers, reveals a troubling situation.

In reporting violence, it is essential to handle such sensitive topics with care, taking into account the families of the parties involved. Photographs of victims should be used minimally, and if included, they should be censored. The focus of the news should be on raising public awareness, rather than on elements that may traumatize or create hopelessness.

Additionally, information on state policies, protective measures, healthcare services, and expert opinions should be provided to women who have experienced similar victimization.

Headlines such as “The state failed to protect again” lead individuals facing the same issues to conceal their experiences of violence out of fear and insecurity, thus perpetuating feelings of helplessness. The judicial process concerning offenders should be followed closely, with results shared publicly. Sharing outcomes of trials that result in severe penalties could serve as a deterrent.

Finally, it is essential for communication faculties that train journalists to include gender studies in their curriculum and to ensure that ethics find meaning within the journalist’s own conscience.