Domestic Abuse and Gender Based Violence

21 Apr

1. Introduction

Domestic abuse (DA) and gender-based violence (GBV) are widespread human rights violations, not “private” issues or relationship disputes.

1 in 5 adults aged 16+ (20%) experienced domestic abuse in the last year. [1] It is also a major driver of homicide of women: in the UK; around half of female homicide victims are killed by a partner or ex-partner[2]

Media reporting can either challenge harmful myths, support survivors and promote accountability – or it can reinforce stigma, victim-blaming and dangerous stereotypes.

Why this matters: Coverage that excuses or minimises abuse, frames it as a “crime of passion,” or focuses on what the victim or survivor did or didn’t do risks contributing to a culture where abuse is normalised and warning signs are missed. Responsible reporting can increase understanding, encourage people to seek help, and inform efforts to prevent further harm.

Common issues in coverage:

Treating fatal or severe abuse as an isolated incident or “tragic one-off.”
Suggesting the survivor/victim “didn’t leave” or “provoked” the abuse.
Highlighting the perpetrator’s character (“pillar of the community,” “good father”) over their actions.
Using euphemistic language (“row,” “love triangle,” “jealous rage”, “jilted lover”) that obscures patterns of control and violence.
Perpetuating myths around domestic abuse (such as the idea that it always involves physical violence) and victim-blaming (“why didn’t you leave” / “did you do something to provoke him”)
Use of ‘victim’ or ‘survivor’ depends on context and intent, and can carry different implications for identity and recovery. Where possible, follow the language the individual uses for themselves.
Assuming that domestic abuse and violence exclusively affects women. Most survivors are women, but reported cases against men are increasing.

Purpose: These guidelines aim to help journalists report domestic abuse and gender-based violence accurately, safely, and with respect for survivors and those bereaved by abuse.

2. Do’s and Don’ts (Quick Reference)

Describe domestic abuse as a pattern of controlling, coercive, threatening or violent behaviour, rather than a “domestic dispute.”
Use clear, factual language (e.g. “was killed by partner” rather than “a lover’s tiff turned deadly”).
Centre the perpetrator’s actions and choices, and don’t risk justifying them by emphasising the victim/survivor’s behaviour, appearance, or lifestyle.
Include relevant context, such as previous reports to police, patterns of stalking, or breaches of orders (where confirmed and legally safe).
Signpost to specialist support services (e.g. national domestic abuse helplines, local refuges, cultural- or faith-specific organisations).
Seek input from specialist organisations and survivor advocates when reporting on trends, policy and systemic issues.

Don’t

Use language that blames or shames the victim/survivor (“they stayed,” “had affairs,” “she drank” etc).
Frame abuse as mutual conflict or “relationship problems”. The term “abusive relationship” can place blame on survivors/victims. It is always the perpetrator who commits the abuse.
Romanticise or sensationalise violence with phrases like “crime of passion,” “jealous rage,” “love triangle horror,” or “row that turned deadly.”
Publish identifying details of survivors, children or refuge locations without being certain it is legal to do so and without seeking their informed consent if what you report could put them at risk.
Don’t use religion, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, mental health history, nationality, immigration status or personal beliefs as identifying descriptors unless directly relevant and necessary to understanding the story.
Over-focus on the perpetrator’s positive traits (job, community standing) in ways that minimise their responsibility.
Use images that trivialise abuse or encourage victim-blaming, or act as click bait. Including stock imagery of arguments, illustrative use of injuries, or social media images of victims/survivors taken out of context or selected to imply judgement.

3. Core Principles

Accuracy: Describe abuse clearly and factually. Avoid euphemisms that downplay violence or control.

Survivor-centred: Respect the safety, dignity and autonomy of survivors and affected families. Do not publish details that could identify or endanger them. If it is appropriate and legal to identify them you should have regard to their wishes before publishing intimate details of the abuse they suffered. Survivors’ lived experience is valuable expertise, and they should be treated as contributors/experts, not just subjects or case studies.

Context: When reporting the background to a case it may be appropriate to explain that abuse is often a pattern of controlling and coercive behaviour, not usually a one-off incident. It may be relevant to refer to structural factors (gender inequality, economic dependence, migration status, racism, disability, etc.).

Accountability: Focus on the perpetrator’s actions and responsibility. Unless you are specifically quoting the claims of others (such as defence lawyers) you should avoid expressions that may excuse or justify abuse (such as “snapped,” “lost control,” “driven to it”).

Responsibility: Provide signposts to specialist support services and helplines. Avoid material that could deter people from seeking help.

4. Detailed Guidance

Language

Use clear terms such as “domestic abuse,” “coercive control,” “sexual violence,” “stalking” where appropriate.
Avoid the term “domestic violence” as though it is synonymous with domestic abuse. This can imply that only physical violence counts as abuse and “a domestic” underplays the seriousness of the crime. Coercive control and emotional abuse are some of the most common - and serious - forms of abuse.
Avoid euphemisms such as “marital problems,” “lover’s spat,” “stormy relationship,” “row,” or “domestic drama.”
Do not use language that implies complicity or choice in victimisation (e.g. “involved with the wrong person," “they refused to leave”).
Although it may be appropriate to report that most domestic abuse is perpetrated by men against women, remember that there is abuse in all genders and relationships.
Use “survivor” when referring to someone who has experienced domestic abuse in the past, as it is more likely to positively impact their self-perception and how they frame their experience. “Victim” is typically used in the context of a woman who has been killed.

Framing

Show the pattern, not just the incident. Where confirmed, include information about previous threats, controlling behaviour, stalking, or contact with services (subject to legal and safety considerations).
Avoid implying that specific events “caused” the abuse (e.g. “after they ended the relationship,” “when she told him she was pregnant”). Events may sometimes trigger abuse but perpetrators are responsible for their own actions.
Avoid framing football or alcohol as causes of domestic abuse; while they may intensify pre-existing behaviours, abuse happens year-round and stems from a perpetrator’s choices and patterns of control, which should be the focus.
Where relevant, recognise that perpetrators often continue to abuse post-separation.
Perpetrators increasingly use technology to abuse, but reporting should avoid any implication that it is the availability of technology that is responsible. It is always the perpetrator’s choice to commit abuse
Highlight systemic issues such as gaps in policing, housing, immigration or justice systems when relevant, rather than treating each case as an isolated tragedy.
Recognise intersectionality – how racism, homophobia, transphobia, disability discrimination, immigration status, poverty and other factors shape people’s experiences and access to safety.
Include information about warning signs and support routes where possible. This helps raise public awareness of abuse, helps readers recognise abuse and provides signposts of support to survivors.
Headlines and framing are important – avoid clickbait, sensationalism or gossip-style framing that minimises survivors’ experiences or shifts focus away from the facts. Avoid unnecessary graphic detail or imagery of the crime scene that may retraumatise survivors or their families.

Sources & Experts

Consult specialist domestic abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) organisations (e.g. refuges, helplines, advocacy groups*) for comment on trends and policy, and for further guidance on best reporting practices. (*see Section 6 - Resources).
Remember that statistics, even where they are reliable, can be used selectively: your aim should be to choose those that are both accurate and paint an overall picture that is fair.
Be cautious about relying solely on neighbours, acquaintances or social media as sources – they may have limited knowledge and can unintentionally perpetuate myths.
When interviewing survivors:
- Ensure they have access to independent support, understand potential risks of speaking publicly, and that they can decline to be interviewed.
- Avoid pressuring anyone to share graphic or traumatic details or agreeing to be publicly identified
- Be clear about how their words and images will be used by your organisation, and the terms of publication.
- Some specialist organisations may have media policies in place to support wellbeing and safeguarding, such as advance approval of questions, consent for recording, and readbacks of quotes.
- Ensure the survivor feels safe and in control of the process, allowing them to set the pace and choose what to share. Use non-judgemental language and make clear that they can stop answering or have a break at any point.

Images / Visuals

Do not show the exact location of refuges or safe houses.
Avoid images that sexualise, trivialise or stereotype survivors (e.g. posed “sad woman in corner” imagery used repetitively).
Where possible, use neutral or issue-focused imagery, such as helpline logos, campaign banners, or symbolic imagery that does not identify individuals.
Only use images of survivors or bereaved families with informed consent, and do not reuse images in unrelated stories.

Case Study

Poor practice: “Mum-of-two killed in ‘row’ with jealous lover” – headline focuses on jealousy and a one-off argument, uses minimising language, and does not explain that this was part of a pattern of abuse.
Good practice: “Calls for stronger protection for abuse survivors after woman killed by ex-partner” – headline centres perpetrator’s actions, connects the case to systemic failings, and includes signposting to support.

5. Legal & Regulatory Considerations

NUJ members can call the NUJ ethics hotline: 0845 450 0864 or email ethics@nuj.org.uk
Intrusion into grief or shock: Editors’ Codes and broadcasting codes require particularly sensitive handling when dealing with bereaved families and survivors. EG. NUJ CODES: https://www.nuj.org.uk/about-us/rules-and-guidance/code-of-conduct.html
Privacy and identification: Be careful not to identify survivors or children where there are legal restrictions, court orders, ongoing criminal proceedings, or without the survivor’s consent.
Open justice vs safety: Where court reporting rules apply, balance the principle of open justice with minimising harm – especially where publicly available details could make it easier for abusers to locate survivors.
Discrimination and hate speech: Avoid material that reinforces stereotypes about race, religion, immigration status, disability, sexuality or gender identity.
Transparency: If a survivor is identifiable, ensure you are upfront about what evidence you will need to corroborate what a survivor is disclosing.

6. Resources & Support

National Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0808 2000 247 | nationaldahelpline.org.uk A 24-hour, freephone service run by Refuge, providing confidential support and information for women experiencing domestic abuse.
Respect Phoneline – respectphoneline.org.ukAn anonymous helpline for people concerned about their own abusive behaviour and looking for help to stop being abusive.

Specialist Support Services

Women’s Aid – womensaid.org.uk A grassroots federation working to provide life-saving services and campaign for protection for women and children.
Men’s Advice Line – mensadviceline.org.uk A confidential helpline supporting men affected by domestic abuse, offering advice for men and those supporting them.
Tech Safety – refugetechsafety.org Guidance and tools to help survivors stay safe from technology-facilitated abuse.
Refuge – refuge.org.uk The UK’s largest provider of specialist domestic abuse services, including emergency accommodation and a dedicated tech-safety team.
Imkaan – imkaan.org.uk The UK’s only second-tier feminist umbrella organisation dedicated to addressing violence against Black and minoritised women and girls.
Galop – galop.org.uk An LGBT+ anti-abuse charity providing support for members of the community experiencing domestic abuse, hate crime, or sexual violence.
Stay Safe East – staysafe-east.org.uk A user-led organisation providing advocacy and support for disabled survivors of domestic abuse, hate crime, and harassment.
Solace Women’s Aid – solacewomensaid.org A London-based charity offering a holistic range of services, including refuge and therapeutic support, for survivors of violence.

Journalists should, wherever possible, signpost to relevant local and specialist services, especially those led by and for the communities most affected. Always include at least one relevant helpline or support link in stories that feature domestic abuse or gender-based violence.

7. Consultation & Acknowledgements

Developed with input from journalists, domestic abuse and VAWG experts, survivor advocates, and civil society organisations.

8. About These Guidelines

These guidelines are intended as practical support and do not replace existing regulatory codes.

We welcome input and feedback — please email info@pressjusticeproject.org

9. With Thanks To…

These guidelines were produced by the Press Justice Project in consultation with civil society, journalism educators, and practitioners.

References:

[1] [2] Office for National Statistics: Crime in England and Wales: year ending September 2025 - ONS https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice

The Press Justice Project