Language Matters: Sexual Violence in the Media

• In Event: Media Portrayals of Violent Victimization

Abstract

Media portrayals of sexual violence have the ability to influence how the public sees sexual violence, perpetrators, and victims.  Media choices of which cases to cover and the language used to discuss them plays a key role in the public’s knowledge of sexual violence.  This study examines print media coverage of sexual assaults over the course of a year in a large metropolitan area using the two main newspapers in the region. Focusing on the language used in titles and language used to describe incidents, offenders, and victims, this study compares how each paper’s coverage of the same criminal incidents differs.

Authors

• Olivia Leo, Fisher College

• Meridith Spencer, Fisher College

• Kelly Wallace, Fisher College