Gender Perspective in Reporting Violence against Women: A Study on SuaraMerdeka.com

Abstract

This study investigates how SuaraMerdeka.com applies a gender perspective in reporting violence against women by analyzing how female victims are portrayed in the news texts. Using Sara Mills’ positioning framework and principles of gender-sensitive journalism, 12 news articles were purposively selected for examination. The findings reveal that women are predominantly framed as passive objects rather than active subjects with voices and agency. Dominant narration often comes from external actors such as celebrities, institutions, community figures, or law enforcement, while victims’ perspectives are limited, emotionalized, or reduced to personal suffering. News coverage tends to prioritize sensational details and viral public reactions instead of addressing the structural causes of gender-based violence. The study also found that gender-sensitive journalism is not fully implemented, as indicated by the absence of contextual information on legal protection, support services, or the broader patriarchal dynamics that shape women’s vulnerability. These findings underscore the need to strengthen gender-sensitive journalistic practices to ensure that the media can contribute meaningfully to public awareness and social transformation.

Keywords: gender-sensitive journalism, Sara Mills, violence, women