Fight Back #69
The Association Concerning Sexual Violence Against Women's Semiannual Newsletter (English Translated Version)
Foreword
Reflecting on the portrayal of sexual violence in mainstream Hong Kong media, what images immediately spring to mind? Perhaps it's the "punishment" of female villains in TV dramas, the repeated use of several adjectives in news headlines to describe a victim's attire, time of return home, and sobriety state, or the portrayal of a figure huddled in a corner, crying in agony.
This provokes us to question why society, including news media, writers, content creators, and individuals who share content and comment online, tends to represent sexual violence and its victims in such ways. While these various forms of representation may attract audience attention to the issue, what impact do they have on the victims and our cultural milieu?
In the 69th issue of "Fight Back", we invited a diverse range of stakeholders to examine these questions. This included insights from the Association’s perspectives, experiences from media professionals who have worked across different mediums, and feedback from survivors who have been interviewed or closely followed news about sexual violence. We aimed to evaluate the current situation, trying to discern how to portray survivors in a manner that more closely aligns with reality and how to strike a balance between news value and sensitivity. We believe that creating a discourse that is more supportive of sexual violence survivors is not solely the responsibility of mainstream media, but also relies on individuals who critically reflect on their everyday speech and actions in describing sexual violence, point out inappropriate language in comments, willingly click on sensitive reports, and promote content that authentically depicts survivors.
Feature
The Role of Media in Shaping Public Perception of Sexual Violence
Writer, former journalist for nine years, worked at Apple Daily, Hong Kong Economic Journal, Mingpao Weekly, Mingpao etc., reporting scope encompasses various domains such as visual journalism, finance and economics, and current affairs supplements, among others.
(Originally written in Chinese)
News reporting should uphold objectivity and neutrality, a principle known to all journalists. Yet, when it comes to reporting on sexual violence, have we managed to avoid sensationalism and judgment? Before RainLily invited me to write on this topic, I was optimistic. I am aware that some media might use provocative language to attract readers, but I believed many would objectively state the facts without sensationalism. However, during data collection, I found the use of sensationalist language in reporting sexual violence incidents more common than expected, reflecting perhaps a lack of sensitivity within the news industry.
Take, for instance, the Chinese term "drunk child/girl" ("醉娃"). A Google search of this term and related news reports came back with 13 results (*see appendix in the original Chinese version; no TV or radio reports included). Surprisingly, 9 of these used "drunk child/girl" ("醉娃") as the headline, and 3 used terms like "picking up corpse" (”執屍／撿屍”).
A common "rape myth" is the media's use of stereotypical cultural binaries (e.g., virgin-whore or good-bad girl) to portray female victims of male violence. This not only infringes on women's rights but also bolsters societal prejudices, subjecting victims to retraumatisation through humiliation and blame (Meyers, 1997). For instance, if a victim fits the "good girl" archetype, the reporting tends to sympathise with the victim, while if the victim is classified as a "bad girl," the reporting often blames her for the incident or even questions her credibility.
Labelling a victim of sexual violence as a "drunk child/girl" in news headlines categorises her, intentionally or not, as a "bad girl." The implication that the sexual violence occurred because the girl was drunk downplays the perpetrator's wrongdoing. After the news was published, numerous online comments accused the victim of "enticing crime" (“引人犯罪”) or being involved in a "labour dispute" (“勞資糾紛”), casting doubt on her credibility.
In fact, aside from any ideological considerations, the term "drunk child/girl" (“醉娃”) itself carries connotations of gender discrimination and is fundamentally inappropriate for use in news reporting. If an intoxicated man were the subject, he would not be referred to as a "drunk child" (“醉娃”).
The Struggles of Reporting
So, how should reporting be conducted appropriately? Some headlines for this news were relatively neutral, such as "[Rape Trial] Two Engineers Accused of Raping Drunk Girl on Christmas Eve, Remanded and Scheduled for Further Hearing in February" (“【強姦提堂】涉聖誕夜強姦酒醉女子 兩工程師還押明年2月再訊”) (TOPick, December 28, 2022). However, it is regrettable that the same media organisationearlier used "drunk child/girl" (“醉娃”) in the headline, "27-year-old Druck Child Returning from UK University Allegedly Raped by Two Men on Christmas, Two Engineers Arrested and Brought to Eastern Court Today" (“英大學畢業回流27歲醉娃聖誕節疑遭2男強姦 涉案2工程師被捕今日東院提堂”) (TOPick, December 28, 2022).
Returning to why the media used "drunk child/girl" (“醉娃”) and "picking up corpse" (“撿屍”) in headlines, we must explore why this sexual violence case was reported in the first place.
According to the book "Reading News: Professional Values and Media Criticism" (閱讀新聞－專業價值和媒體批判) by Professor Francis L. F. Lee from the School of Journalism and Communication at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, news is "information or content about events happening in society that is valuable and meaningful to readers." Textbooks often mention the criteria for "news values," including timeliness, importance, societal impact, involvement of prominent individuals or institutions, human interest, conflict, deviation from the norm, and others.
The reporting of this news, about a woman forcibly taken away and violated while intoxicated on Christmas Eve, likely stems from factors such as timeliness (Christmas), societal impact (raising public awareness of criminal acts), and conflict (crimes against women). Therefore, it's reasonable for the headline to mention that it occurred on Christmas Eve and involved a woman who had been drinking. But is it necessary to use terms like "drunk girl (醉娃)," "picking up corpse (撿屍)," or "fully naked (全裸)"? Does the use of these terms help readers grasp the significance of this news or merely add entertainment value?
Does news need to entertain? My first journalism job was with Apple Daily's video news department, where I transformed local news, breaking news, international news, etc., into video format. Video news places a lot of emphasis on "memorable points." I recall once when I had to turn a car accident that occurred at night into a video news. After submission, a senior colleague reviewed the footage and changed the headline to "Red-Dressed Woman XX in Car Crash…" (“紅衣女XX撞車⋯⋯”). He said that in news, you should find unique characteristics or special aspects of individuals or events to create headlines, otherwise, all car accidents would be the same. His advice greatly benefited me on how to make readers remember a news article and make the news description more vivid.
However, there is a difference between adding memorable points and seeking sensationalism, and as news media, we should have boundaries. The methods used by media to report on sexual violence not only potentially affect the victims and perpetrators but also influence how society perceives such incidents. "The Myths and Changes in Reporting Sexual Assault" states: "As communicators, the media should be aware of two impacts. First, victims worry about their names and privacy being exposed in the media, which may discourage them from reporting the crime and prevent them from obtaining justice through the legal system. Secondly, biassed media reporting leads to different perceptions and interpretations in society. Both aspects require journalists and media to improve their understanding of sexual assault cases and the victims and perpetrators involved" (DeSilva, 1984; Johnson, 1999).
As wielders of the pen, we have a social responsibility to speak cautiously. I believe many journalists entered this field hoping to make the world a better place, at least by providing a platform for the marginalised to speak and seek justice. But if we not only fail to make the world better but even contribute to a society that distorts blame onto victim-survivors, making the vulnerable even more reluctant to speak out, then we become culprits who make the world worse and harm more people. Being a journalist is not easy, requiring balance in reporting, ensuring novelty and readability... But when it comes to reporting on sexual violence, we should make an extra effort with awareness on flaws in the judicial system that deny survivors of judical justice (as mentioned in the previous issue of Fight Back). However, outside the judicial system, victim-survivors can at least attain narrative justice and speak up for themselves. As the fourth estate (the fourth branch of government) beyond the administrative, legislative, and judicial powers, the media should safeguard victim-survivors’ freedom in voicing out their stories.
Before submitting your story or hitting publish, remember that victim-survivors are human beings, not just news materials. Always be a human before being a journalist.
Voicing Voices I
When Reading the News Provokes Distress:
A Survivor's Perspective
(Originally written in Chinese)
News reports like these unsettle me and bring back memories of past misfortunes. Instead of reading them in detail, I quickly skim through to avoid increasing unease. The biassed wording and intimidating images used in these reports make it hard for me to continue reading.
Some news articles use language that makes victims feel humiliated and disrespected, such as describing their experiences as "tragic." News reports, which should maintain neutrality, insert subjective and opinionated language to grab readers' attention, feigning sympathy for the victims while actually adding salt to their wounds.
Victim-survivors' feelings and experiences are paramount. Having the incident widely publicised following the assault would significantly worsen one’s emotional state. Survivors have to face their pain and may feel that the ordeal is unimaginable and deeply distressing, bearing the burden of their own suffering. However, these feelings are personal perceptions, separate from the notion that others view them as pitiful.
In reality, victim-survivors do not wish the society to view them as pitiful. Such perceptions are like society looking at them through coloured glasses, making survivors even more afraid of facing others. When unfortunate events occur, media should not just report the incidents but also play an educational role, instead of continuously magnifying victims' "tragic circumstances".
Current news reports about sexual violence demonstrate a lack of sensitivity in using related language, which can easily offend those who have experienced sexual violence. These reports often highlight the victim's attire, the timing of the incident, or the way they were violated, presenting this information as headlines. Or, they provide excessively meticulous accounts of the entire incident, including all actions and dialogue, without any discretion. Such methods of presenting events only serve to trigger victims' memories of their traumatic experiences and reopen their emotional wounds. News reporting needs to increase sensitivity in word choice, using appropriate language to reduce readers' unease and fear.
Voicing Voices II
Media as a Double-Edged Sword:
A Survivor's Experiences of Interviews and Reporting
(Originally written in Chinese)
Victim-Survivor Miu has previously advocated alongside the Association and RainLily for the provision of screens and live television coverage while giving testimony to senior prosecutors and legislative council members, narrating her experience of being denied a screen. She has also participated in the "Arise: Victim-Survivors of Sexual Violence Photography Exhibition" by RainLily and has been interviewed by the media multiple times, aiming to raise public awareness about the experiences of sexual violence survivors and advocate for their rights. Among these experiences, there have been news reports that have helped her voice be heard and empowered her, as well as reports that have misunderstood her intentions and caused harm.
Currently, Miu is a member of the Association's Working Group on Promoting Survivor-Centred Approach in Sexual Violence Reporting, and she has participated in workshops with media practitioners to explore how reporting can perpetuate myths about sexual violence and the significance of news coverage, with the aim of promoting greater sensitivity in media coverage and reporting of sexual violence incidents.
Q: How did you feel when you initially decided to be interviewed?
Miu: When I decided to be interviewed by the media for position-oriented news coverage, my intention was to speak up for myself. During the interview, I felt nervous and apprehensive because I feared that the outcome of the interview would not align with my expectations. I was afraid that the reporting might be inaccurate or that my intentions would be misunderstood. Therefore, before the interview was officially published, I was filled with great concern.
Q: How did you feel when you saw the published report? How did it impact your development/mindset?
Miu: The first thing that caught my attention when I saw the published report was the accompanying photographs. I felt that the angles captured in the photos were quite good because they couldn't capture my face, only my arm, and the lighting was ample, not gloomy. As I shifted my focus to the article itself, the more I read, the more I sensed a powerful presence. This was because the report did not primarily focus on the incident of my sexual assault; instead, it emphasized my volunteer work with RainLily and my advocacy efforts to ensure that sexual crime victims have the protection of screens when testifying in court. The content of the article portrayed a strong sense of positivity and accurately conveyed the message. It made me realize that advocating for screens was a meaningful endeavor, and it reassured me that I wasn't trapped in the trauma of sexual assault. I learned that by taking a step forward, there are rewards and the confidence to believe that the wounds can eventually heal.
The lights illuminated the courtroom. The judge's bench was elevated, with the lawyer's benches in front and the public seating at the back. In this courtroom, her memories were fortified. Occasionally entering, she made her way to the witness stand, while the defendant's dock stood opposite. The surroundings gradually grew noisy. Judges, defence lawyers, prosecuting lawyers, the accused, journalists, and spectators... The air suddenly fell silent, and all eyes were fixed upon her. Pairs of eyes seemed to penetrate her body.
On that day, she took the stand as a witness, accusing a longtime friend of sexually assaulting her. Due to the unsuccessful application for a courtroom screen, she was compelled to recount the details of the case in front of the public gaze.
The court ruled in her favour. However, the arduous journey was far from over as the defendant appealed. Deprived of a screen once again, she ultimately did not appear in court, and the charge was downgraded from rape to indecent assault.
She made a decision: to embark on a path of advocating for courtroom screens for other victims of sexual crimes. And behind her, there was herself, him, and them...
To repeatedly recount her experience was akin to reopening wounds and exposing them to others for Yuet-sum's heart. In reality, no one has an obligation to reveal their wounds, but she chose to step forward. "It's uncomfortable for everyone. In the beginning, it was difficult for me to speak, facing the judge. But later, I felt a sense of fighting for something more."
Tiffany said that gradually, Yuet-sum shifted her focus from self-blame for lacking courage to consider the rights of other victims.
"The second time, she gave up on going to court. She might have felt, why didn't she take further steps at that time? Even though she is now stronger, she can no longer file a lawsuit and cannot turn back. But later, she herself said that she could shift the focus to other survivors who still have a chance to go to court, and she found it meaningful as well."
(Excerpt from The Stand News report on the five years journey of fighting for courtroom screens for sexual offence victims in court, 23 November , 2017)
Q: How did the media disappoint you?
Miu: When I thought the media could be trusted, I received another media interview. It was only a phone interview, but the next day, my interview was published, and it was the headline news. The headline shocked me because it distorted my original intention. I was angry and unhappy at that moment, wondering why the media published such an appalling headline without clarifying with the parties involved. To be frank, that particular media outlet not only greatly disappointed me but also made me fearful.
1. The report titled 'Survivor Shares Experience of Regretting Not Going to Court and Letting the Rapist Go' did not accurately represent Yuet-sum's initial feelings of reluctance to go to court. She did not have any regrets. Currently, she does not blame herself anymore. Yuet-sum wanted to express that her decision not to go to court was about respecting her own feelings. She did not want to testify in court without the protection of courtroom facilities (screens). It was her choice. At the same time, she was willing to give the interview to highlight the importance of seeking counselling and taking care of oneself, in addition to seeking justice.
2. The report mentioned that 'Although the court sentenced the perpetrator to 5 years of imprisonment, he appealed, and Yuet-sum refused to go to court again to avoid facing the painful experience.' The report omitted an important part: Yuet-sum's intention was not to testify in court without the protection of courtroom facilities (screens). She wanted to emphasise that the absence of screens could discourage victims from coming forward, expressing the importance of courtroom protection measures for victims.
Recently, our organisation has received numerous media inquiries, understanding the public's concern about the issue. We hope that our media friends can exercise caution in conducting interviews and handling reports, especially when it comes to stories of sexual violence victims, to avoid causing them further harm. At the same time, we hope that society as a whole can work together to establish a safe and supportive environment, so that survivors who courageously step forward will not be let down in their efforts to raise awareness."
(Excerpt from RainLily's statement, 2 December , 2017)
Q: Why did you participate in the Working Group on Promoting Survivor-Centred Approach in Sexual Violence Reporting? What would you like to share the most? What are your expectations of the media?
Miu: I joined the Working Group with the intention of engaging in mutual communication with the media, drawing from my own experiences. I wanted to share insights from the perspective of someone who has been interviewed by the media. It is important to pay more attention to the needs and feelings of the interviewees and not assume that they are extremely vulnerable or traumatised during the interview process. Interviewers can openly ask interviewees what they are comfortable discussing and what they prefer not to address. This way, there can be a shared understanding, and the interview can flow more smoothly, allowing the interviewees to let down their guard and complete the interview more naturally.
One opinion I would like to express is that photography plays a significant role during interviews. From my personal experience of being interviewed multiple times, I found that the photographer always chose backgrounds that I considered favourable, such as under sunlight, neon lights, or amidst flowers and trees. Seeing myself portrayed against these backdrops gave me a sense of hope, brightness, and beauty. I believe this helped heal my wounds more quickly because I could confidently showcase my beauty and self-assurance, rather than being captured against gloomy backgrounds by certain photographers, trying to conceal myself as if devoid of vitality.
Recently, I have participated in two news workshops organised by RainLily, and these experiences have allowed me to encounter positive encounters. The people present were genuinely caring and friendly. It was evident that they wanted to protect survivors of sexual assault. They sought guidance on what to pay attention to during interviews and how to avoid causing discomfort or secondary harm to the interviewees. Witnessing their sincere desire to protect interviewees and create a relaxed atmosphere, rather than approaching the interviews with excessive seriousness, is something I truly appreciate.
Voicing Voices III
The Hurtful and Healing Power of Narrating and Writing
(Originally written in Chinese)
As a sexual violence support services, we adhere to a crucial principle - to avoid having survivors repeatedly recount their experiences. Yet, as a member of the agency’s communications team, one of our duties involves facilitating survivors to put forth their narratives to the public.
It might sound contradictory, but the mindset and purpose behind the latter differ - creating a platform for survivors to express their stories and take back their voice. Indeed, some show anger as they tell their stories, some might cry, and some might need to pause to cope with their emotions. I always worry whether their tears might be reopening wounds, whether the interview might violate the principle of avoiding survivors having to retell their experiences, and whether we might inadvertently subject them to 'secondary trauma'...
In moments of trepidation, I reflect on whether it's a lack of confidence in supporting those who are hurt, or a determination of the survivors' fragility, or a lack of faith in their resilience. A significant aspect of empowerment is giving survivors confidence and believing in everyone's capacity for recovery. They are presenting and sharing their healing journeys. While their experiences are intertwined with sexual violence trauma, they are also part of the healing process. Sometimes, service users who are interviewed express the desire to be seen as 'normal people,' and excessive caution can make them question their recovery. Survivors also comfort us, assuring us not to worry about their tears - the healing process always has its ups and downs, and as long as we respond sincerely, they will feel the warmth and transform it into strength. Survivors' lives might be harder than we imagine, but their inner strength can be just as formidable.
However, we also need to be aware that when listening to others' stories, we might touch upon their pain and suffering. This requires us to maintain sensitivity and respect, ensuring our responses are supportive and warm. We are not counsellors and might not feel responsible for providing support, but when someone is willing to share their life story with you, learning to listen and respond is perhaps the most basic form of respect. At the same time, we should respect survivors' pace and boundaries, giving them enough space and time to process their experiences. Each survivor has their own things they wish to express, their own perspectives, and rhythm. Let listening become a two-way exchange, learning to discern the melody within, balancing our need for writing material while also taking care of what survivors wish to convey.
I recall my first encounter with Yuet-sum. She had been with the organisation for almost ten years. As much as she wanted to speak out and was willing to be interviewed, she still hesitated to reveal her true identity. During the #MeToo movement in 2017, after the publication of her personal interview, she called me and said, 'I'm ready. You can reveal my real name and my face.' From that day on, she was Miu, willing to face the camera. This seemingly simple gesture was actually a powerful and moving testimony that took years of effort. Last month, Miu accepted another media interview, and when asked at what point in time did she feel she could let go of the past after more than a decade, Miu paused for a moment and replied, 'When I no longer needed to hide my face during interviews. When I could speak up for myself, I felt I had let go. Now it's for myself.'
We might think that a piece of news will soon be forgotten, but some service users have shared reports under a pseudonym with their friends and family, using this as a way to disclose their unspoken past. Survivors who see their stories written down feel a sense of release, even if it is under a pseudonym. They feel as though a weight has been lifted off their hearts, finally able to sleep well and even reduce the dosage of their psychiatric medication. The stroke of a pen can crystallise life stories into words, conveying emotions and meaning to readers, and giving voice to the stories of those interviewed, letting their voices be heard, becoming part of their healing journey.
Finally, I want to apologise - we can be very demanding. We require interviewers to do a lot of homework, to increase their sensitivity, and to provide responses. Recently, we have even launched a series of workshops on media interview and reporting recommendations on sexual violence news. I apologise, but we must persist. There's sometimes only a fine line between harm and healing, and we firmly believe in the power of writing and reporting. We hope that reports not only touch the hearts of readers and raise social awareness and reflection but also bring a positive impact on those interviewed. At the same time, we are grateful for those gentle interviews and careful writers and journalists - an hour of an interview, a response, a report, a photograph, all of these can provide survivors with greater strength, becoming significant milestones in their life stories.