The Loddon Region Gender Equality and Violence Prevention Consortium has recently seen some social media coverage concerning an alleged assault of a community member earlier this year by a high-profile figure. Whilst this matter is still before the courts, it was reported in the Bendigo Advertiser that he acknowledged his actions and apologised to everyone present at the incident with the exception of the victim. It is pleasing to see him acknowledging his behaviour in some shape or form. However, what we are most concerned about is the reaction of individuals in social media and online forums about the decision of the Bendigo Advertiser to cover the story.
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There has been a chorus of comments from community members ranging from “he made a mistake”, “he is a good bloke”, “this is an isolated event”, “it was only a slap – what’s the big deal”, “what a waste of newspaper ink”, and many comments the Advertiser “has it out for him” and so on.
As agencies working on behalf of victim/survivors of violence, we would like to draw attention to how these comments – whilst probably well meaning – actually contribute to the minimisation and acceptance of violence in our community and perhaps a case of shooting the messenger – in this case, the decision of the Advertiser to run the story.
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Comments such as those we have seen on social media serve to attribute blame to others for the events (perhaps the victim, or even the media for reporting this) and focus on the distress of the perpetrator – “how could the Advertiser do this to him”! Comments such as these also serve to give a message to victims and others they are “over-reacting” and blowing these events out of proportion. Comments such as these collude and give license to beliefs and attitudes that some violence is not a big deal. Comments such as these reflect the experiences of the victim/survivors our agencies work with every day: that they are not believed, that they are told the violence was their fault, and that they are overreacting. Comments such as these serve to diminish the lived experience and impacts of that violence. Sensible, measured responses from community members would acknowledge the impact of this violence on the victim and innocent bystanders. Responses could acknowledge the positive aspect of the perpetrator taking responsibility for one’s action, without diminishing the experience of the victim/survivor and the media who is entitled to cover a story – and in particular, a matter where the facts do not appear to be in dispute. Responses could say – it is never OK to use violence – and taking responsibility for that violence means acknowledging the harm and impacts on those who experience it and witness it.
This is difficult for many in our community – people who use violence – whether in an ongoing, harmful, coercive and controlling way – or “once off” – are ordinary community members. They are generally not monsters, but people who live ordinary lives amongst us all. We have a responsibility to call out violence – in all of its manifestations – and say it is never OK. If we resort to blaming victims or bystanders for calling it out, we have lost sight of our commitment to living peacefully, freely and equally. Violence is never OK.
Margaret Augerinos, CEO, Centre for Non-Violence; Julie Oberin, CEO, Annie North Inc; Margaret McDonald, CEO, Cobaw Community Health; Kate Wright, CEO, Loddon Campaspe Centre Against Sexual Assault; Tricia Currie, Executive Officer, Women’s Health Loddon Mallee
Letters must carry the name, full address and telephone number of the author. The writer’s name and suburb/town will be published. We reserve the right to edit letters. Letters which are deemed inappropriate will not be published.Send letters to Bendigo Advertiser, PO Box 61, Bendigo 3552 or at bendigoadvertiser.com.au
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