A feminist stylistic and framing theory exploration of selected news reports on intimate partner violence in the Namibian newspaper (2019-2020)

Abstract

In Namibia, ‘intimate partner violence’ remains a huge concern. A variety of sources may have presented ‘intimate partner violence’ as a phenomenon but not many seem to have touched on the writing style perpetuating and presenting the events. This study aimed at exploring, examining and analysing the language usage by The Namibian male and female writers when reporting on ‘intimate partner violence’. The study intended to reveal the crucial role that news media houses play in the local community. Amongst the frequently reported headlines covered in The Namibian newspaper and creating a captivating sensation is the topic of ‘intimate partner violence’. Although either gender can commit violence in the case of ‘intimate partnership, the spectacle creates curiosity and interest to the public especially when the violent tendency seems subjected mostly towards one specific gender. In Namibia’s case, and based on the news reports, it appears that the male gender dominates the category of perpetrators. This qualitative study analysed the discourse of news reports on ‘intimate partner violence’ published in The Namibian newspaper between 2019 and 2020. Data of this study was analysed using relevant scholars’ analysis as established through desktop study. The researcher examined the news texts for stylistic features at the word, phrasal and sentence levels in order to construe textual meaning, application of sexism, assigning blame and justification of the crime. The findings were interpreted through the lenses of the Framing and Feminist Stylistic Theories. The study’s major findings reveal that the intimate partner violence phenomenon was nonchalantly presented. The victims’ voices were mostly silent whereas the perpetrators were actively presented. The study concluded that most news reports seemed commercially packaged and lacked enlightenment. The study strongly recommends further research in media discourses and framing with special focus to intimate partner violence in Namibia.