DV survivors like me suffer private harm. Don’t make it a public spectacle

March 17, 2026 — 7:30pm

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When domestic violence reaches the courts, another layer of experience begins for victims. As it was in my case – it can be the public telling of a very private harm.

Headlines are written, photographs taken, commentary offered. In these moments, journalism begins to shape how domestic violence is understood by the public.

At a time when our awareness of domestic violence has grown significantly and when Australian journalism has made important strides in telling the stories, the question is not whether the media should report it, but how.

There is a clear social imperative to have a collective knowledge and discourse about domestic violence. But how best to cover it to serve both the public interest and the welfare of victims and their families?

Certainly, our language around domestic violence has improved. Sensationalism is less common and outlets avoid victim-blaming narratives. Reportage is more successful in placing incidents within the broader context of gendered violence. These advances are significant and deserve recognition.

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Yet the challenge of reporting responsibly remains a work in progress – I experienced this firsthand. Even well-intentioned coverage can compound harm for those involved.

My case attracted attention, given the high profile of the perpetrator. I was photographed, publicly scrutinised and interpreted at moments of profound........

© The Sydney Morning Herald