“We cannot win this fight if we don’t acknowledge any such fight exists”: Examining media coverage of Black women’s risk for intimate partner violence

Abstract

Research and policy continue to focus on the prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) in the U.S., with estimates indicating that 81 million people have been victimized by a partner in their lifetime. IPV disproportionately impacts women, and Black women in particular face victimization at a much higher rate when compared to other groups. Considering their overrepresentation, advocates have called for increased attention to IPV and its associated risks for Black women. As one of the most effective ways to publicize important health-related information is through the media, assessing coverage and framing is essential to understanding whether risks and resources are successfully communicated. The current study analyzes media attention to Black women’s elevated risk of victimization, and finds that while coverage is relatively minimal, media sources employ framing devices such as statistics, expert commentary, and single-victim focal points to discuss the issue. Three prominent themes emerged in content analysis of the media coverage, as news article language served to promote risk awareness, provide risk explanation, and/or address risk criticism.