Invisible Wounds, Invisible Abuse: The Exclusion of Emotional Abuse in Newspaper Articles

Abstract

ABSTRACT Newspapers continue to be a readily available and important source of information for much of the U.S. public. However, the meaning of domestic violence used in newspaper articles often excludes forms of violence that are not blatantly physical. Through an analysis of newspaper articles about domestic violence appearing in 5 cities during 3 months in 2008, I discuss the exclusion of emotional abuse in articles about domestic violence. Through recounting my narrative of an emotionally abusive relationship, I highlight the painful emotionally violent behaviors that are slighted in contemporary news stories about domestic violence. I also discuss reasons the media does not focus on emotional forms of abuse, and the implications of this exclusion for victims of emotional abuse.