Abstract:
In this paper, I analyze how media coverage of sexual assault cases impacts the
victims of these assaults. In this thesis, I theorize that the media is an institution, under
which betrayal of the subject can occur. I define institutional betrayal, and describe
current research that has been done on the subject. I examine institutional betrayal by
the media through the analysis and review of three specific cases and the ways the
victims and perpetrators of each case were portrayed in the media. The issues analyzed
include the Steubenville, Glen Ridge case, Kobe Bryant case, and University of Oregon
cases. Following the review of these cases, I analyze media outlets' coverage of victims
who choose to speak up about their experiences. I end the paper with a discussion of the
ways that the media can use their influence as a tool to aid survivors. This paper
concludes with the claim that in its role as an institution, the media has the potential to
harm victims through insensitive portrayals of sexual assault. I also target the ways that
media outlets describe perpetrators and victims that make implications about their
credibility, and provide ways for media professionals to avoid these mistakes.
Description:
55 pages. A thesis presented to the Department of Psychology, Journalism and Communication and the Clark Honors College of the University of Oregon in partial fulfillment of the requirements for degree of Bachelor of Science, Spring 2014.