ETHICAL PRINCIPLES ON COMBATTING VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN MEDIA
1. DEMONSTRATE THE PERPETRATOR NOT THE VICTIM
Avoid expressions that would present women belittled and unable in the news content, be sure that the news’ language points out the perpetrator not the victim.
2. DO NOT LEGITIMATE THE VIOLENCE
Avoid attenuating language that legitimates the event and abstain from obscene stories when reporting the act. Raise awareness on psychological, economical and cyber violence.
3. NOT PRESTIGIOUS YET CULPRIT
Abstain from expressions that add credibility to the perpetrator or mitigate the crime “spouse run amuck” – “respected business person” – “famous artist”
Abstain from expressions that add credibility to the perpetrator or mitigate the crime “spouse run amuck” – “respected business person” – “famous artist”
Do not turn the spotlight on the conditions and the situations where the violence against women occur and on the personal characteristics of woman, “in the park at midnight”-“marital status”- “dressing style”. Show respect to the protection of personal data and the privacy of the victim and the family
4. SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN
Avoid using detailed images that judge women, and contain triggering details and crime technique tutorial shootings, atmospheric music, and sound effects
5. SET AN EXAMPLE TO THE CHILDREN
Take the adverse impacts of actual and fictional violence into consideration particularly in child-oriented programs, present the division of domestic labor and family responsibilities egally, give messages emphasising the equality of wome and men via broadcasts
6. SHOW FORTH THE STRONG WOMEN, DESCRIBE WOMEN AS STRONG
In order to eliminate stereotypes, present women as strong and successful personalities, not only within the context of certain occupations, but in different age, professional, cultural and socio-economic groups (e.g.national athlete, successful farmer, entrepreneurial housewife). Increase the visibility of female rolemodels.
7. BROADCAST THE PENALTY, POINT OUT THE JUSTİCE
In order to enhance deterrence, share the convictions with the public and repeat frequently the messages of the retribution of violence.
8. GET SUPPORT, GIVE SUPPORT
Media content producers should consult expert opinions (psychologist, pedagog, lawyer)
on violence against women, establish ethics committees within the scope o development of self-regulation mechanisms, increasing the awareness on the support mechanisms (KADES, ALO 183)
