The winners of the 2008 EVAs were announced by Maxine Morand MLA, Minister for Women's Affairs and Children and Early Childhood Development and Todd Harper, CEO, VicHealth at The EVAs presentation ceremony held at 10.30am on Tuesday 13th May, 2008 at The Sir Redmond Barry Room, ANZ Building, Melbourne.

THE GOLD EVA

The Gold EVA is chosen from the individual category winners. The 2008 Gold EVA winner is Heather Gallagher, Northcote Leader, for her series "Home Terror Crisis".

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.

Print Categories

Best News / Current Affairs Report (Item or Series)

Heather Gallagher, Northcote Leader, "Home Terror Crisis"

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)

Adam Cresswell, Weekend Australian, "Battle against violence can never end"

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.

Best Feature in Print (newspaper): Highly Commended

Liz Cincotta, The Age, "Set Free"

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

John Silvester, The Age, "Murder is Murder"

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/Community Report

Fiona Willan, Diamond Valley Leader, "Murphy's Law Upheld"

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.

Best Regional /Rural Report

James Kelly, The Courier, Ballarat, "Men confront their battle against family violence"

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

Megan Norris, "I sent my violent partner to jail" in New Woman Magazine

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

Penny Stephens, The Age, "Family Men"

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.

Radio and Television Categories

Best Radio Interview

Kathy Bedford, ABC Victoria's State-wide Drive Program, ‘Interview with Police Assistant Commissioner Leigh Gassner'

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.

Best Television Current Affairs (less than 20 minutes)

Jointly won by Lisa Whitehead, 7.30 Report, ABC Television, "Domestic Violence and Animal Abuse" AND Tamara Oudyn, Stateline, ABC News and Current Affairs, "Micro Finance"

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)

Wendy Page, Ian Harley, Mike Chergwin, Colin Cosier, ABC Television, Australian Story on ‘Estelle Blackburn'

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. 

2008 EVA Award Winners