Judges' Comments 2011

Gold EVA

Best Media Across Categories

Genevieve Grieves & Darren Dale
Blackfella Films & SBS Television
Lani’s Story

Judges' Remarks

This is a stand out piece of journalism.

With heart felt and straight-talking conviction, Genevieve and Darren’s documentary expresses the magnitude of consequence that violence has on all those involved. It places the experience, survival and courage of Lani at the forefront.

The careful research and arrangement speaks to the complexity of the issues, drawing strong links between Lani's personal experiences, the impacts on those who know and love her, and the responses of those liable to Lani and others experiencing violence. Through moving interviews, Genevieve and Darren demonstrate the powerful role of support offered to women experiencing violence juxtaposed with the detrimental impact of social attitudes and convention, and systemic barriers to justice and safety. Lani’s story is presented without resorting to clichés or offering simplistic solutions.

Print

Best News / Current Affairs Report (Item or Series) 
Ben Schneiders
The Age
Domestic Violence Victims Win Leave

Judges' Remarks

Ben’s concise and informative report, featured on the front of page of The Age on Grand Final weekend, acknowledges ground breaking reform within the workplace. His piece highlights the cost of family violence at a very practical level and challenges the notion that it is a private matter.

 

Best Feature in Print (Newspaper) 
Vanessa Chircop
Star News Group
Sahar’s Living Nightmare

Judges' Remarks

Vanessa’s article does an excellent job at giving a voice to the experience of women. Through the story of Sahar, Vanessa focuses on how culture and sub-cultures within Australia can affect the ways that family violence manifests and the constraints on a victim. The multiple layers of violence that are brought out in this article are vitally important for the general community to understand. An engaging and informative piece.

 

Best Opinion 
Leslie Cannold
The Age
There Are Many Reasons Women Don’t Report Rape

Judges' Remarks

This is a courageous piece of writing in which Leslie draws on her own experience of rape to reflect on victim blaming in media coverage of rape allegations against AFL players. She describes the double messages about sexual freedom communicated to young women and the barriers to disclosing rape. Despite the horrific nature of its content the piece also conveys a sense of hope, noting changes in the way more young men now respect women as equals and are coming to understand the real meaning of consent.

 

Best Suburban / Regional Report 
Claire Quirk
Bendigo Advertiser
I Swear (Series)

Judges' Remarks

Clare’s four part series with its strong local focus invites men to join an anti-violence campaign and provides personal and informative accounts of men who have done so. Using these local male identities, the article challenges gendered stereotypes by affirming men’s role in family violence prevention.

 

Best Magazine Report / Article 

Clair Weaver
Madison Magazine
How Will You Get Home Tonight?

Judges' Remarks

Clair’s feature demonstrates high quality and well researched journalism. This well-written piece exposes a rarely discussed aspect of violence against women. It places the issue in a broader national context and highlights the impact of negative community attitudes. Clair has reported the young woman’s story sensitively, while advocating for societal change and acknowledging the important role of the justice system.

Highly Commended
Claire Halliday
The Weekly Review
Running Up the White Ribbon

Judges' Remarks

Claire’s article impressively presents the many issues associated with violence against women. Claire bravely shares her personal story, while giving the story a broader societal context. Importantly, she gives excellent advice for others and acknowledges the positive societal change occurring with the police and the community.

 

 

Best Photograph / Graphics / Illustration 
Kath Gannaway
Mountain Views Mail
Fire Hero Jailed

Judges' Remarks

Kath’s photo is visually interesting with thoughtful composition and creates an arresting front page. It is confronting and powerfully communicates a story. Her photography demonstrates bravery and creativity and successfully challenges stereotypes while being sensitive to the victim’s privacy.

 

Online

Best Online Journalism
Ilsa Evans
nationaltimes.com.au
Bruised Women Fade To Black In Newton Saga

Judges' Remarks

Ilsa uses the coverage of the Matthew Newton court case as an example of the too frequent skewing of real issues within coverage of the celebrity world. She challenges the media to not allow celebrity cult to dominate over accurate media reporting, in this case the overlooking of the victims and real issues of family violence. With incisive analysis and engaging storytelling, Ilsa draws our attention to the fact that the responsibility for violence lies with the perpetrator, no matter who they are.

 

Radio

Best Radio News / Current Affairs (More than 20 minutes)
Highly Commended
Dr Sally Cockburn, Simon Owens, Ken Francis

3AW Radio

Talking Health: New Year’s Resolution To Stop Family Violence

Judges' Remarks

 

Best Radio News / Current Affairs (Less than 20 minutes)

Lindy Burns, Erin Matthews & Tom Wright
ABC Radio 774
Bridget’s Story

Judges' Remarks

Lindy, Erin and Tom’s piece works to challenge a fundamental stereotype that women choose to stay in violent relationships. Their report shines a light on the ramifications of housing problems faced by women and their children who experience violence. Leading up to White Ribbon Day this was a powerful contribution to extending community awareness on the complexity of violence.

 

Highly Commended
Santilla Chingaipe
SBS Radio World News Australia
Domestic Violence Underestimated

Judges' Remarks

It is Santilla’s use of statistics alongside a range of interviews, which clearly and simply describes the complexity of the experience of family violence. Importantly, it includes the struggles victims’ face with understanding and responding to violence against them. In doing this, Santilla provides listeners with counter information to many social misconceptions on family violence and draws international relevance to the issue.

 

Television

Best Television Current Affairs (More than 20 minutes)
Genevieve Grieves & Darren Dale
SBS Television
Lani’s Story

Judges' Remarks

Genevieve and Darren’s documentary piece is an outstanding and compelling contribution to tackling violence against women. It explores all facets of the issue with very strong messages for the community. The one hour piece follows Lani’s long journey to justice, while speaking to all women and men. It offers hope and inspiration and sets a benchmark for journalism in the longer media categories.

 

Best Television Current Affairs (Less than 20 minutes)

Nick Coe & Alexis Daish
Nine Network Australia, A Current Affair
Defensive Homicide

Judges' Remarks

Within a short piece segment, Nick & Alexis powerfully communicate that women have the right to end a relationship, to be safe in doing so, and that violence against them is simply and without question wrong. Through strong interviews, a voice is given to the murder victim’s aggrieved family with sensitivity and respect.

 

Highly Commended
Luke Waters
SBS Television World News Australia
300 Dollar Childhood

Judges' Remarks

Luke’s report localises the serious global story of sexual slavery and Australian men’s involvement in these appalling practises. It juxtaposes the victim’s story with a message that we have a national responsibility for the victims overseas.