Scottish Public’s Perceptions of Media Coverage of Violence Against Women Shorter sentences

Online survey 1,005 Scottish adults Representative figures Fieldwork was undertaken between 31st July - 2nd August 2018 as part of a wider omnibus Total sample size was 1005 Scottish adults The figures have been weighted and are representative of all Scottish adults (aged 18+) Progressive Partnership Ltd. in partnership with YouGov

Victim Blaming in the Media 42% of women and 23% of men felt that media coverage of VAWG often or always implies that a woman's behaviour, actions, and/or dress meant that she was partly at fault for the violence she experienced. 35% of women and 36% of men felt that this was sometimes the case. These figures show that large proportions of the Scottish public believe that the way the media covers instances of VAWG sometimes or often blames women victims/survivors for this violence. We know the victim blaming happens in media coverage of VAWG as evidenced by our annual media monitoring exercise. Put simply, we don’t believe women, and if we do, we say it’s their fault. This is inaccurate and actively detrimental to women who have come forward with their experiences and women who are considering doing so. The way the media creates narratives around VAWG is incredibly influential and makes this finding particularly concerning. Zero Tolerance has recently updated our guidance for journalists and media professionals, Handle with Care, which supports the responsible reporting of VAWG. We will continue to strive to eliminate victim blaming which has no place in modern Scotland.

Prevalence of VAWG Vs Media Reporting A stark finding was the perceived gap between the real prevalence of VAWG versus what the media presents. 38% of Scottish adults surveyed thought that VAWG has increased in Scotland compared to 2 years ago. In contrast, 63% of respondents thought that media reporting of VAWG has increased in Scotland over the same period. Official statistics show that reports of VAWG are increasing year-on-year in Scotland with the Scottish Government estimating that VAWG has cost the public purse four billion pounds. This discrepancy between fact and opinion could be the result of a variety of factors; respondents might believe that violence has always been high, and the media is only now catching up or, more worryingly, they may believe that VAWG is over reported within the media and does not reflect reality. This finding highlights the need for factual reporting that puts instances of VAWG in context wider picture (global and national).

Media representation and increased reports of VAWG Explain what the white and orange is The public believe the way women and men are portrayed on social media has contributed more to the rise in reports of VAWG than any other form of media. This may be because of work already underway through campaigns like #toxictwitter and #everydaysexism to highlight how women are portrayed and treated on social media. Porn was also identified by respondents as having a strong connection to increased reports of VAWG. In the case of social media this could represent an increase in report due to things like metoo empowering women to come forward. Porn was also highlighted.

Gender Trends There was a consistent trend found in the difference between answers given by men and women respondents. Men estimated levels of violence (both real and media portrayal) to be lower than women did. Men also saw less of a connection between the media’s portrayal of women and men and increases in reports of VAWG. Finally, men were more likely to say that media coverage of VAWG never or rarely implies that women are to blame for violence they experience. Women were more likely than men to state that media coverage often or always implies that women are to blame for violence they experience. This general trend of disparity between men and women’s responses could be the result of women’s lived experience and associated increased understanding of VAWG.

Gender Trends 42% of women and 23% of men felt that media coverage of VAWG often or always implies that a woman's behaviour, actions, and/or dress meant that she was partly at fault for the violence she experienced. 35% of women and 36% of men felt that this was sometimes the case. These figures show that large proportions of the Scottish public believe that the way the media covers instances of VAWG sometimes or often blames women victims/survivors for this violence. We know the victim blaming happens in media coverage of VAWG as evidenced by our annual media monitoring exercise. Put simply, we don’t believe women, and if we do, we say it’s their fault. This is inaccurate and actively detrimental to women who have come forward with their experiences and women who are considering doing so. The way the media creates narratives around VAWG is incredibly influential and makes this finding particularly concerning. Zero Tolerance has recently updated our guidance for journalists and media professionals, Handle with Care, which supports the responsible reporting of VAWG. We will continue to strive to eliminate victim blaming which has no place in modern Scotland.

Conclusions 69% of respondents identified victim blaming. Gap between levels of VAWG and prevalence of reporting. Majority linked media and increase in VAWG. Conclusions Handle with Care

Thank you! amy.johnson@zerotolerance.org.uk @ZTScotland @FrostMorven Q&A after Jenny’s presentation and please feel free to catch me at a later stage today or to send an email