Domestic violence Radio Feature
 
 
 
 
The feature talks about domestic violence in South Africa; what help is available to women; and what is being done about the problem.
 
This audio programme may be  used to:
1. raise awareness about what domestic violence is;
2. provide an example of a balanced, gender aware radio report;
3. encourage women to speak out if being abused; and
4. engage in a debate on what causes violence, particularly at home.
 
Trainer’s notes
The feature is gender aware. It is about raising awareness of the high rates of domestic violence in the country. The report states that many of the cases are not reported and of those that do, only a small number go to court. This is just one major challenge to women who are seeking justice. The feature provides a good background and context for domestic violence, why it can happen, and how often it occurs. Many times, the media leaves this kind of context out of stories on gender violence, making them appear as isolated incidents, and not part of a larger social and institutional problem.
 
It also illustrates the cycle of violence, saying that children who grow up in abusive homes tend to be abusers themselves. Children are vulnerable and can be seriously affected by what they see and experience in the home. This also provides necessary context, and fuels the idea that people are products of their socialisation. Often when the media reports on domestic violence, men are referred to as ‘fiends’, ‘devils’, ‘maniacs’ – all words that make them appear inhuman or possessed, as if the violence comes from somewhere outside of themselves, and outside of society. This feature, by not using those terms and by providing context to the issue, situates domestic violence within society, making it a social problem, not a problem that affects ‘crazy’ or ‘possessed’ people.
 
The media often only reports/write articles such as this during commemorative days or periods of activism. More often, the stories are sensational, alienate men, and either treat women as helpless victims or blame them for the abuse. On the other hand, men who are being abused by their partners are seen as jokes. The media also often ignores the fact that men can also be victims, and that men can play role in the fight against violence.  Women living in abusive households are encouraged to come out and take a stand. More and more women are abused every day and observance of commemorative days offers an opportunity to foster changes in attitudes towards survivors. However, the media should highlight positive ways of fighting domestic violence throughout the rest of the year as well. The bigger picture of the feature is to show that domestic violence is alive and both genders can join hands to fight it.
 
Discussion questions
1. What are the statistics of domestic violence in your country? Do people report it? Why or why not? What prevents people from reporting domestic violence?
2. Will we see change if both genders come together to fight domestic violence?
3. How has the media played a role in reporting cases of domestic violence? How are most stories of domestic violence framed? How are men and women portrayed?
 
Training exercise
1. Conduct research at the police station on how often domestic violence cases are reported. Find out what is done in most cases, and how they are followed up. Ask how serious they take men when they want to report that they are being abused and how often do men report that they are abused.
2. Talk to someone you know who has been through domestic abuse.  Ask them about their experiences and the challenges they faced in trying to live with or leave the situation. What is the biggest lesson they learned? How is that person dealing with their situation now? Are they prepared to be in a relationship in the future? Why or why not?
3. Talk to men on the street; find out what they think of abuse against women and children at home. Ask what their definition of a real man is. Ask if they think women can also abuse their partners and the reason behind that.
4. Find out what organisations and services are available in your community for women who are living in abusive relationships. Write a commentary about domestic violence in your community, and include these services.
 
Links to training resources:
 
Files to download:
 
 
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