Nominations called for national media awards to reduce domestic violence
Nominations are now open for new awards which recognise excellence in media coverage on violence against women, Minister for Social Services, the Hon. Scott Morrison and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women, Senator the Hon. Michaelia Cash said today.
“The inaugural Our Watch Awards for exemplary reporting to end violence against women will highlight the critical role of the media in influencing a national conversation around this important social issue,” Minister Morrison said.
“Media is at the forefront of influencing public attitudes and behaviours and these new awards will acknowledge the importance of their role in raising awareness of the scourge of domestic and family violence.
“These awards aim to support and assist the media to increase quality reporting on violence against women and their children, and build awareness of the impacts of gender stereotyping and inequality,” Minister Morrison said.
Minister Cash said the awards will promote and reward reporting that demonstrates accuracy, evidence and context.
“They will bring together the media, sector and community organisations to ensure reporting on violence against women is accurate, and inspires action and changes in attitudes,” Minister Cash said.
“The Australian Government is committed to a significant and sustained reduction in violence against women and their children, and these awards are an example of how we are working with the community and organisations nationally to achieve this plan.
“Australia is now having an open and very frank conversation about domestic violence which has arguably been kept behind closed doors for far too long – the media play a vital role in this discussion.”
The awards will span the following seven categories:
- Best journalism campaign
- All media: Best news coverage
- All media: Best series or special
- All media: Best local / community journalism
- All media: Best long-form
- Best use of social media
- Our Watch Gold Award
The awards will be managed by Our Watch, the foundation created to drive nationwide change in the culture, behaviours and attitudes that lead to violence against women and children, and will be administered by the Walkley Foundation. The Australian Government supports Our Watch with $14 million over five years, as part of the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022.
Award nominations close at 5pm, Wednesday 8 July ahead of the award ceremony in September. For more information and nominations, please visit http://www.ourwatch.org.au/
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au. For more information about a service in your state or local area download the DAISY App in the App Store or Google Play.