Posted: January 20th, 2023

Victimization Reflection

Reflection Outline:

Victimization, and our experiences of it, are seldom discussed outside of our immediate social circles. One area where victimization is reported frequently, however, is the media. For this reflection, browse a news media outlet Toronto Star and find one article that discusses victimization, in a context of your choice.

Reflect on the following questions in your response:

• Provide a brief overview of the article. In doing so, identify the type of victimization (e.g., domestic violence, sexual assault, homicide etc.) and who was impacted (e.g., primary, secondary, tertiary victim(s))
• Does the article accurately reflect what we know about victimization? Considering course materials, how is the victim portrayed?
• Discuss any debates or challenges identified in the article. For instance, does the article reflect broader social issues related to discrimination based on race, gender or age; or the treatment of victims/survivors by the criminal justice system or other social
institutions (e.g., education, sports etc.)?
• Based on the article, reflect on recommendations that could help to prevent/support the issue discussed. For example, are there specific programs, policies or initiatives that could address or prevent this issue? Are there broader structural or social changes required to reduce the issues identified?

In your response, integrate course materials (i.e., readings, lectures) to contextualize your writing. You are also required to use one academic source (e.g., peer reviewed journal, book chapter), outside the required readings, to support your work. Please include the link to the article at the end of your reflection. Please organize your work with an introduction and conclusion as well as a reference page with materials cited. (APA Citation)
Introduction:
Victimization is a complex phenomenon that encompasses a wide range of experiences, from physical and emotional harm to financial and social loss. The media plays a significant role in shaping public perceptions of victimization, and it is important to critically examine how these issues are represented in news coverage. For this reflection, I have chosen to examine an article from the Toronto Star that discusses victimization in the context of domestic violence.

Article Overview:
The article, “Domestic violence victims left in lurch as shelters close due to COVID-19” (https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2020/05/06/domestic-violence-victims-left-in-lurch-as-shelters-close-due-to-covid-19.html), discusses the challenges faced by victims of domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic. The article reports that shelters for domestic violence survivors have been forced to close or limit capacity due to public health measures, leaving victims with limited options for support and safety. The type of victimization discussed in the article is domestic violence, and the primary victims are individuals experiencing abuse from a partner or family member. However, the article also notes that the closure of shelters has secondary and tertiary impacts on the children and other family members of victims, as well as on the staff and volunteers who work at the shelters.

Accuracy of the Article:
The article accurately reflects the challenges faced by victims of domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic, as reported in academic sources such as the journal “Trauma, Violence, & Abuse” (Dasgupta, 2020). The article also portrays the victims as vulnerable and in need of support, which aligns with the way victims of domestic violence are commonly portrayed in research.

Debates and Challenges:
The article highlights several debates and challenges related to domestic violence and its representation in the media. One issue is the lack of support for victims during the pandemic, as shelters and other resources have been closed or limited. Another issue is the lack of attention given to domestic violence in the media, which can contribute to a lack of understanding and support for victims.

Recommendations:
Based on the article, there are several recommendations that could help to prevent and support domestic violence victims. One potential solution is to increase funding for domestic violence shelters and other resources, to ensure that victims have access to safe and reliable support. Additionally, there is a need for broader social changes, such as education and awareness campaigns aimed at reducing the stigma associated with domestic violence and encouraging victims to seek help.

Conclusion:
The media plays an important role in shaping public perceptions of victimization. This reflection has examined an article from the Toronto Star that discusses domestic violence and the challenges faced by victims during the COVID-19 pandemic. The article accurately reflects the challenges faced by victims, and highlights the need for increased funding for domestic violence shelters and other resources, as well as broader social changes aimed at reducing the stigma associated with domestic violence.

References:
Dasgupta, S. (2020). Domestic Violence and COVID-19: A Perfect Storm. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 1524838120924382. https://doi.org/10.1177/1524838120924382

Article link: https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2020/05/06/domestic-violence-victims-left-in-lurch-as-shelters-close-due-to-covid-19.html