Coverage of rape: victim blaming in the media

Coverage of rape: victim blaming in the media 

The media often ignores ethical guidelines when reporting on cases of rape. This is one of the findings of the report “How rape is covered by the media in Pakistan”, compiled by the Uks Research Centre, Islamabad, in collaboration with the Global Fund for Women.  

The focus is on the victim while the culprit/s is almost always completely ignored, said Tasneem Ahmar, director of Uks, at the report’s release. This gives the impression that the victim herself bears responsibility for the entire episode. Ahmar added that parents reading such reports may prevent their daughters from going out, even to school. Quatrina Hosain of Express News pointed out the names and other details of rape victims are almost always highlighted in the media and instead of the profiles of the accused. Senior journalist Huma Khawar suggested that reporters should be trained to report on such cases and taught appropriate terms.

The report is available on http://www.uksresearch.com/