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Domestic violence is a subject that is rarely discussed, viewed as an issue that occurs behind closed doors. It is also possible that the media helps perpetuate the normalization and desensitization of domestic violence. Many media outlets domestic violence is portrayed as sexism, devaluation of women and even domestic violence portrayed in a comedic way.
News Reports
There are statistics that show news outlets have a significant impact on how the public perceives crime. One researcher found that articles about domestic violence described the abuser in a positive way, portraying the victim in a negative manner. This can lead those reading or watching reports about a domestic violence incident to think that the person who was abused deserved what happened to them.
Humorous Portrayals of Domestic Violence
Often, domestic violence is presented in a humorous light in the media. It may be a sexist joke or language which may make the victim appear inferior. Humor is a way to allow someone to insult or disrespect another in an acceptable way. There is research that shows sexist humor is extremely powerful, especially when directed at women. Sexist humor may:
- Devalue women personally and professionally
- Promote aggression and violence
- Sexually objectify women
How the victim responds to the humor also has an impact. If the victim laughs at the joke, it could appear they are devaluing a specific group. Lack of laughter could be viewed as lack of sense of humor. This type of humor could make domestic violence appear acceptable.
Periodicals
Female-focused magazines often present women as victims and responsible while magazines with a male focus often have a “tolerance” for domestic violence through humor. Male-oriented magazines often use patriarchal ideas that excuse male aggression in a comedic form that minimizes how serious domestic violence actually may be.
Television, Video Games and Movies
In a recent report, the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) found that more than half of all video games contained violence and that long-term exposure may result in acceptance of violence. Television portrays domestic violence in a similar manner to magazines, with shows geared toward women giving the impression females are victims while shows with a male-focus portray domestic violence in a humorous way. Movies sometimes normalize aggressive behaviors such as stalking and intense fighting by showing them in a humorous way.
Advertising
In one study of Super Bowl commercials, researchers found over 61 percent of violent acts portrayed in commercials were violent acts combined with humor. During one week of primetime television, acts of aggression were portrayed in over 12 percent of commercials while over 53 percent included humor. A study of commercials over 20 years found that the use of physical aggression in advertising rose from over 13 percent in 1989 to over 73 percent in 2009.
Better Awareness
In order for the media to help reduce the incidences of domestic violence, changes must be made in order to avoid desensitizing the public to the problem. Media has a strong impact on culture which is why better awareness in all types of media could help reduce the domestic violence crisis. High profile cases often bring awareness to the problem, such as OJ Simpson, Chris Brown, and Ray Rice.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of domestic violence, you need to protect yourself as quickly as possible. An attorney, social worker, or domestic violence resource worker can help you take the steps you need to get out of your abusive relationship, help you apply for restraining orders, and work with you to keep you safe from your abuser.