An Appraisal of Rivers State Residents’ Assessment of Domestic Violence Reportage in Select Media

This study examined media representation and public perception of domestic violence in Rivers State, with particular attention to the role of the media in creating awareness, presenting domestic violence issues, shaping public understanding, and supporting victims. The study was guided by three research objectives and anchored on Agenda Setting Theory, Spiral of Silence Theory and Knowledge Gap Theory. A mixed-method research design was adopted, combining a structured questionnaire with interviews to obtain both quantitative and qualitative data. A total of 400 copies of the questionnaire were distributed to respondents, comprising residents of Port Harcourt and media workers, while 382 copies, representing a 95.5% retrieval rate, were found valid for analysis. The quantitative data were analysed using frequency, percentage and mean statistics, with a criterion mean of 2.50 used for decision-making. The findings showed that respondents had a high level of awareness and understanding of domestic violence, while media presentation of the issue was generally perceived positively but with some inconsistencies in the depth and quality of coverage. The study also found support for regular media programmes and reportage on domestic violence, particularly those capable of educating the public and encouraging victims to seek help. Respondents demonstrated a broad understanding of domestic violence to include physical assault and other forms of abuse. However, the findings indicated that the media's contribution to victim support and community-level response, although positive, was comparatively less pronounced. The study concludes that the media remain important platforms for shaping public awareness and understanding of domestic violence, but greater consistency, responsible reporting, sustained programming and stronger victim-support communication are required. It recommends that media organisations strengthen specialised domestic violence reporting and provide regular, informative and non-sensational programmes that promote prevention, public discussion and access to appropriate support services.