Media Advocacy for Balancing Gender Reports on Domestic Violence against Men in SouthWest, Nigeria

Abstract

Purpose: The goal of this study is to examine media advocacy for balancing gender reports on domestic violence and  identify the level of awareness about the prevalence of domestic violence against men in south west Nigeria. This study test hypotheses on media  perpetuation of societal stereotypes that ignore domestic violence against men south west Nigeria, encouraging  media organisations toward responsible reporting on all forms of domestic violence, irrespective of gender in south west Nigeria and determine how policies and laws that address domestic violence comprehensively including support for male victims can be advocated by the media.

Methodology: The study employed a survey research methodology and utilised a purposive   sampling technique, resulting in a sample size of 520, calculated using the Taro Yamane formula. The research tool employed was a questionnaire, which form the primary source of data collection while secondary data was collected through books, journals both in physical and online library. Data collected was analysed using both descriptive statistics (percentages and mean) and inferential statistics using chi-square (t-test) using Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS) software.

Findings: revealed that media perpetuates societal stereotypes that ignore domestic violence against men. It also revealed that if journalists are trained and have clear editorial guidelines on addressing biases in reporting domestic violence against men, they will advocate for comprehensive policies and laws that address domestic violence.  It hereby recommends that Media campaigns should actively highlight the need for gender neutral domestic violence laws that protect all victims, regardless of gender and collaborate with policy makers to amplify stories of male survivors and advocate for inclusive support systems.  

Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: This study is anchored on framing theory, It upholds the tenets of framing theory as media framing of domestic violence in gender neutral manner will help reorienting people’s thinking about it. Also, it would help media practitioners to come up with campaigns that would actively highlight the need for gender neutral domestic violence laws that protect all victims, regardless of gender, collaborate with policy makers to amplify stories of male survivors and advocate for inclusive support systems.