Ethical journalism, gender-sensitive reporting, and media accountability in covering violence against women and domestic violence (VAW/DV) were in focus of a two-day training for over 20 journalists and media professionals from across Georgia.

Journalists play a crucial role in shaping public understanding of gender-based violence. Through investigative reporting, ethical storytelling, and public engagement, they can challenge stereotypes, influence public discourse, and contribute to policy development.

The training aimed to enhance participants’ capacity to report with integrity, accuracy, and empathy. Sessions covered core principles of media ethics—fairness, impartiality, and accountability—alongside practical tools for data processing and visualisation to improve communication of complex issues.

Participants examined real-life femicide cases, analysed biased narratives, and explored the influence of language, framing, and editorial decisions on public perception.

The programme also addressed the psychological impact of violence on women, including trauma and long-term effects, and encouraged reflection on victim-blaming narratives. Participants explored the media’s role in preventing secondary victimisation, engaging in hands-on exercises on ethical interviewing and survivor-centred storytelling.

Participant of the training: “I believe that after this training, I will report cases of violence against women and femicide with greater empathy. I will also be more cautious when communicating with women who are victims of violence, and I expect that the terminology I use in my speech will change as well.”

The training was organised in the framework of the project “Reinforcing gender equality and implementing GREVIO recommendations to combat violence against women and domestic violence in Georgia”. The Project is a part of the Council of Europe Action Plan to Georgia 2024-2027.