Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior displayed by individuals with the intention of broadcasting their superiority, control and power against their victims. It is achieved by instilling fear and insecurity to the individuals often by threat or violence. Such violence can happen to anyone regardless of age, gender, income, ethnicity, and race. Statistics shows that every one in four women experiences domestic violence during their lifetime. Research has established that women between the ages of eighteen to thirty-four are at a greater risk of experiencing domestic violence. They further point out that in two out of three homicide cases, the victims are mostly killed by their close family members. Moreover, it shows that over sixty percent of the incidences happen at home (Domestic Violence: Statistics & Facts, n.d.). The media has been proactive in reporting domestic violence cases. However, some articles do not clearly and professionally cover the questions that have to be addressed in covering the various stories. The paper summarizes one of the articles and evaluates it to establish whether it meets the requirements.
Summary of the Article
The article covers the story of a twenty-eight year old woman who finally opens up and narrates her story. It describes how her lover abused the woman. However, the article does not provide the real names of both the woman and the man in question. The story begins by describing how the woman and her lover first got into a relationship. The two met in London where the woman had moved to after she found a job. Their relationship kicked off. The story describes how the man gradually changed from being the sweet lover to being very violent. It all begins with the man complaining about most of the things the woman does. He complains about the makeup she puts on, the clothes she wears, how long she spends at work, and even the men she speaks to. Gradually the man unleashes his true self. He abused her, spat on her and even hit her. Her first attempt to threaten him by reporting to the authorities backfired leaving her terrified and helpless against the beast he had become. The beatings continued and went on and on until one day when he attacked her with a corkscrew. She finally got the courage to walk away. Through the support of her family and friends she underwent treatment and was able to rebuild her life and confidence (My partner abused me, 2014.).
Evaluation
There are various aspects that have to be addressed when covering such stories (Covering Domestic Violence: A Guide for Informed Media, n.d.). The article has overlooked most of the elements. It does not bring to the attention of the readers of any prior incidences of violence that the man was involved in. There are no people mentioned in the article who can speak for the man. In fact, the article does not even provide the readers with any information about the man. No friends or neighbors are mentioned or if there were any around. It does not look at the impacts of domestic violence beyond the victim, and there is also no mention of how the abusers can get help only that she had received help when she left the abuser. Furthermore, the writer does not consult with or seek any statement from a recognized domestic violence expert or any local domestic violence advocate. However, the writer tried to provide the causes and triggers of the violence and as well as spoke about how she tried to leave once and things got worse. Taking into consideration all the issues that need to be addressed, it is right to conclude that the article does not accurately cover the story on domestic violence per the media guide and what the true portrait is in this story of the abused woman.ReferencesMy partner abused me. (2014). Retrieved October 22, 2015, from http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/women1839/Pages/Domesticviolencerealstory.aspx
Covering Domestic Violence: A Guide for Informed Media (n.d.). Retrieved October 22, 2015, from http://ag.nv.gov/uploadedFiles/agnvgov/Content/Hot_Topics/Victims/DVPC/MEDIAGUIDE.pdf
Domestic Violence: Statistics & Facts. (n.d.). Retrieved October 22, 2015, from http://www.safehorizon.org/page/domestic-violence-statisticsfacts-52.html