Behind the headlines: media and the topic of domestic violence

Behind the headlines: media and the topic of domestic violence

On November 25, 2024, an important event for clarifying domestic violence took place at the City Campus of the FH Wiener Neustadt. This initiative, which was organized in partnership with the state of Lower Austria and the Austrian press council, was entitled "Behind the headlines: the reality of domestic violence". The aim was to examine the role of the media and the associated challenges in reporting on violence situations, especially when it comes to violence against women.

The event started with an opening by state councilor Christiane Teschl-Hofmeister, who made it clear how important it is for the media to deal sensitively with this topic. The main focus was on responsibility and ethics that the media must wear when reporting on violence. The event was moderated by Nina Kraft, who led the discussions.

specialist lectures and discussion rounds

The program included various lectures by leading experts. Elisabeth Cinatl, spokeswoman for the women's and girls' advice centers, spoke about the narrow line between family tremons and the serious topic of female. Werner Fetz from ORF informative editor explained why and how in media about domestic violence. Alexander Warzilek, managing director of the Austrian press council, emphasized the importance of ethics in reporting, especially in such a sensitive context.

Afterwards there was a lively panel discussion that dealt with the question of how journalism can work in the best interest of the victims and society. Hedwig Wölfl from "Die Möwe" and Alexander Grohs, head of the Neustart Lower Austria and Burgenland association, were discussed in a variety of ways. The students of the Bachelor's degree "Journalism & Corporate Communication" brought up important aspects, including the possibilities of preventing preventive effect on potential perpetrators.

Martin Pittner, director of the course at the Vienna Neustadt University of Applied Sciences, emphasized how important it was that future journalists learn from the start to report on such sensitive topics without stigmatizing or exercising the victims.