An ABC investigation into domestic violence in faith communities has won the top honour at the 2018 Our Watch Awards for excellence in reporting on violence against women.
The reports, by Julia Baird, Hayley Gleeson, Debra Jopson, Sarah Malik and Rocco Fazzari, stood out among an impressive field of brave and innovative reporting that has driven important social change.
Natasha Stott Despoja, Chair of Our Watch, praised the exceptionally high standard of this year’s winners. She said the overall gold winner, “Religion and domestic violence investigation” on ABC News Online, shone a light on abuse that had been hidden for too long.
“Survivors of violence against women must be heard. That’s what this reporting is doing, it is giving women a voice and holding to account powerful organisations that have hidden abuse and protected perpetrators.”
Ms Stott Despoja said there had been a marked improvement in reporting of violence against women, with media increasingly examining the causes of this violence and avoiding language that blames victims or excuses perpetrators.
The winners of the 2018 Our Watch awards are:
Best News Coverage
Jason Walls, NT News, “Women fleeing domestic violence forced to ride in paddy wagons”, “Domestic crisis: It’s time to stop this cycle of violence”, “Survivors forced to relive the nightmare”, “Former NT cop assaulted his police officer wife”
Best Use of Social Media
Jan Fran, The Feed, SBS VICELAND and The Feed’s Facebook page, “The Frant”
Best Series or Special
Julia Baird, Hayley Gleeson, Debra Jopson, Sarah Malik and Rocco Fazzari, ABC News Online, “Religion and domestic violence investigation”
Best Local and Community Journalism
Nicole Ferrie, Emma D’Agostino and Natalie Croxon, The Bendigo Advertiser, “Together, we are an ocean”
Best Journalism Campaign
Julia Baird, Hayley Gleeson, Debra Jopson, Sarah Malik and Amani Haydar, ABC News Online, “Religion and domestic violence investigation”
Best Longform
Julia Baird and Hayley Gleeson and Rocco Fazzari, ABC News Online, “Clergy wives speak out about domestic violence”
Overall Gold Our Watch Award
Julia Baird, Hayley Gleeson, Debra Jopson, Sarah Malik and Rocco Fazzari, ABC News Online, “Religion and domestic violence investigation”
Winners at the 2018 Our Watch Awards. Photo: Adam Hollingsworth.
BACKGROUND
The Our Watch awards, administered by the Walkley Foundation, celebrate excellence in reporting on violence against women. The 2018 awards are funded by the federal Department of Communications and the Arts
MEDIA CONTACT
Lisa Zilberpriver, Manager – Media and Communications, Our Watch: 0448 844 930 or lisa.zilberpriver@ourwatch.org.au
*If you cover this story, or any story regarding violence against women and children, please include the following tagline:
“If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, family or domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000”
To access guides for reporting about violence against women and their children, visit: www.ourwatch.org.au
ABOUT OUR WATCH
Our Watch is a national, not-for-profit organisation established to drive nation-wide change in the culture, behaviours and attitudes that lead to violence against women and children.
The organisation works to increase gender equality and respect in all aspects of everyday life, such as through schools, workplaces, media, sporting organisations, social marketing, and developing and influencing public policy.