Covering GBV During Crisis Situations: A media's Perspective

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a global epidemic that thrives in silence, often going unnoticed in the day-to-day rhythm of society. However, during times of crisis, whether it’s natural disasters, armed conflicts, or economic upheaval, the risk and occurrence of GBV escalate dramatically. These crises create environments where the vulnerability of survivors increases, but they also offer media outlets an opportunity to shine a spotlight on this critical issue and influence change. The media plays an essential role in covering GBV during these fragile moments when survivors' needs are heightened, and their stories demand attention.

The Amplification of GBV in Crisis Situations

In crisis situations, whether due to displacement, poverty, or social instability, the infrastructure that typically supports victims of GBV begins to break down. Healthcare services become limited, law enforcement may be overwhelmed, and social stigma often drives individuals into even more isolated situations. Reports from organizations such as the United Nations and other human rights bodies consistently show that during crises, GBV surges, especially domestic violence, sexual exploitation, and trafficking.

The breakdown of social structures during crises often leads to weakened protection mechanisms, creating opportunities for perpetrators to exploit the chaos. Survivors, who were already at risk, now find themselves even more vulnerable, with their stories often silenced in the noise of broader crisis coverage.

The role of the media, especially in times of crisis, is to bring attention to such injustices and give voice to those who might otherwise remain unheard. However, reporting on GBV in these situations presents unique challenges and ethical concerns.

1. Ethical Responsibility: Reporting on GBV requires sensitivity. Media outlets must ensure that survivors' identities and personal information are protected to avoid further harm. It’s crucial to prioritize survivor safety and avoid sensationalism.
2. Awareness and Advocacy: Crises often shift public focus towards immediate survival and recovery, leaving GBV in the periphery. Media outlets have the responsibility to ensure that GBV does not get overshadowed. Through impactful storytelling, media can highlight the long-term effects of GBV on individuals and communities, thus broadening public awareness and advocacy for change.
3. Collaboration with Organizations: Collaboration between the media and organizations working to address GBV provides survivors with crucial resources and legal support. The media can serve as an essential bridge to connect survivors with these organizations, helping to ensure their access to safety and care.

Key Challenges in Reporting GBV in Crisis Situations

1. Lack of Resources: Journalists often lack the necessary training to report on GBV in a way that is both sensitive and informative. Furthermore, many regions facing crises may not have enough resources to support reporters covering such issues. Media outlets must invest in providing the right tools and training to journalists covering GBV.
2. Victim Blaming and Stereotyping: Media coverage of GBV can sometimes reinforce harmful stereotypes, such as victim-blaming. Survivors may be portrayed as responsible for their abuse, particularly if they were seen as being in vulnerable or risky situations during a crisis. Ethical reporting requires a shift in how we speak about survivors, not as victims of circumstance but as individuals with agency deserving of dignity and respect.
3. Sensationalism: While it is important to highlight the realities of GBV, media outlets must avoid sensationalizing the issue. Stories that focus solely on the most horrific details may desensitize audiences, reducing the urgency of addressing GBV in society. Instead, the media should balance the gravity of the issue with hope, offering stories of survivors' resilience, activism, and the steps that can be taken to end GBV.

In the aftermath of crises, the media holds the power to shape public opinion and influence policy. By covering GBV with integrity, the media can generate the necessary pressure for governments and international organizations to prioritize policies that protect survivors, prevent future violence, and hold perpetrators accountable.

The media plays a significant role in pushing for societal change by focusing on the broader context of GBV and the long-term impact it has on individuals and communities. Reporting on GBV during crises can help amplify the voices of survivors, mobilize support, and foster a stronger commitment to ending gender-based violence.

As we continue to witness crises unfold around the world, it is more important than ever for the media to step up in the fight against GBV. Through ethical and responsible reporting, the media can ensure that survivors are heard, supported, and empowered and that society remains vigilant in its fight against gender-based violence, even during the most challenging times.

Let’s make sure that the voices of survivors are not silenced in crisis, but amplified. Together, we can change the narrative and take meaningful steps toward eradicating GBV, one story at a time.