The Gold EVA
Winner: Heather Gallagher, Northcote Leader, Home Terror Crisis Series
Judges’ Comments: Heather Gallagher and the Northcote Leader have given her series of seven articles a level of prominence rarely seen in media coverage of family violence. Heather has shown dedication and commitment as a journalist in reflecting real stories drawn from her local community to produce a consistently high standard across all articles in the series. We have much pleasure in awarding Heather Gallagher the Gold EVA for 2008 as an outstanding example of media that promotes community understanding and awareness of family violence.
Best News / Current Affairs Report (Item or Series)
Winner: Heather Gallagher, Northcote Leader, Home Terror Crisis series
Judges’ Comments: This series of reports gives voice to a diverse range of people in its community, from those who have experienced family violence, to civic and faith leaders and men and women on the street. It provides an excellent overview of family violence issues and the range of service.
Best Feature in Print (Newspaper)
Winner: Adam Cresswell, Weekend Australian, Battle against violence can never end
Judges’ Comments: This is a highly engaging, informative and complex feature covering many aspects of family violence. It incorporates a survivors experience, statistics and research to inform the lay reader. Discussion of community attitudes and the way these impact on women experiencing violence, lead the reader to a broader perspective on this issue.
Highly Commended: Liz Cincotta, The Age, Set Free
Judges’ Comments: This feature explores the reality of living with family violence and assists the reader to understand some of the reasons why women find it hard to leave. Concern about the welfare of pets can be a factor. Inspirational stories should be told and this is one of them.
Best Opinion
Winner: John Silvester, The Age, Murder is Murder
Judges’ Comments: The writer makes a strong and accessible argument for reforming child abuse laws. He draws on tragic cases, overseas laws and the frustrations encountered by police in gathering and presenting evidence. Making it an offence for adults not to report child abuse is an issue well worth considering.
Best Suburban/ Regional Report
[Previously judged in two distinct categories Suburban/ Community & Regional/ Rural]
Suburban/ Community Winner: Fiona Willan, Diamond Valley Leader, Murphy's Law Upheld
Judges’ Comments: The story is to be commended for highlighting the spirit and character of local Police Officer Sen-Sgt Joy Murphy, as well as documenting the change in police response to family violence. The story's human focus, its use of local statistics as well as the placement and use of quotations made it a stand-out applicant for the award.
Regional/ Rural Winner: James Kelly, The Courier - Ballarat, Men confront their battle against family violence
Judges’ Comments: Through interviews with men and workers at a weekly support group, James Kelly shows that emotional violence and controlling behaviour are forms of family violence. This story conveys a strong message that men can take responsibility, and that change is possible with the support of local family violence services and tells readers where to find them.
Best Magazine Report/ Article
Winner: Megan Norris, New Woman Magazine, I sent my violent partner to jail
Judges’ Comments: This compelling first-person narrative explores why women stay in violent relationships and highlights how important the responses of health and legal professionals are to helping victims of violence. The immediate and long-term impact of family violence on women's lives comes across strongly and the story gives a sense of the positive outcomes that can be achieved when services work together.
Best Photograph/ Graphics/ Illustration
Winner: Penny Stephens, The Age, Family Men
Judges’ Comments: Penny Stephen's photograph invites the reader into a story about male community leaders who are part of the Men Say No To Family Violence Project and captures the spirit of the story entitled Crossing cultural lines on family violence. The photograph is a departure from traditional pictorial representation of family violence in the media.
Online
Too few entries
Radio
Best Radio Interview [Best Radio News/ Current Affairs (more/less than 20minutes)
Winner: Kathy Bedford, ABC Victoria's State-wide Drive Program, Interview with Police Assistant Commissioner Leigh Gassner
Judges’ Comments: A well-prepared interview: Key messages about family violence were conveyed succinctly and there was substantial interplay between interviewer and interviewee. Primary and secondary interventions were canvassed, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the issue. A compelling interview.
Television
Best Television Current Affairs (less than 20 minutes)
[Joint Winners]
Winner: Lisa Whitehead, 7.30 Report, ABC Television, Domestic Violence and Animal Abuse
AND
Winner: Tamara Oudyn, Stateline, ABC News and Current Affairs, Micro Finance
Judges’ Comments: Both pieces provided further dimension to the experience of family violence, shedding light on some of the barriers faced by women when trying to escape violent relationships. Both pieces demonstrated extensive research and comprehension of the subject and canvassed innovative solutions. It was impossible to identify the strengths of one entry over the other and we are therefore delighted to award joint winners in this category.
Best Television Documentary (more than 20 minutes)
Winner: Wendy Page, Ian Harley, Mike Chergwin, Colin Cosier, Australian Story, ABC Television, Estelle Blackburn
Judges’ Comments: By exploring the experience of one brave woman, this piece sheds light on the common dynamics of family violence, particularly the difficulties women can face in escaping violent relationships. Apart from dispelling many common myths about family violence, this is also a compelling narrative.
