Framing Abuse: Media Influence and Public Understanding of Sexual Violence Against Children

This book offers fascinating insights into how the media shape the way we think. Combining in depth analysis of media representations with interviews with 500 journalists, campaigners, abuse survivors and a cross section of 'the public', Jenny Kitzinger explores the media's role in contemporary society. She examines feminist initiatives to challenge sexual violence, the historical emergence of incest as a recognised social problem and the development of new survivor identities. She also explores stereotypes around sex offenders, interrogates the role of the media in protests against 'paedophiles in the community' and presents a detailed analysis of the impact of scandals about disputed abuse allegations.

Which stories attract attention and why? What strategies do journalists and pressure groups use to persuade people and how do we respond? Answering these and other questions, Kitzinger demonstrates how media reporting can impact on people's knowledge of the 'facts', perceptions of risk, sense of appropriate policy responses and even how we interpret our own experiences. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in theories about media influence and social change. It is also a key resource for anyone concerned about sexual violence, involved in designing intervention strategies or wishing to encourage responsible journalism.