Our Watch Media Team, 14 September, 2016
Hitting Home was awarded the Best Long-form journalism prize at last nights Our Watch Awards ceremony. More than 200 journalists, industry and media identities gathered at Sydney's Doltone House, Hyde Park, for the gala event hosted by Julie Zemiro. Our Watch Chair Natasha Stott Despoja said “The high quality of entries to the 2016 Our Watch Awards highlight growing interest in providing accurate and responsible reporting on violence against women. The media have great influence as well as responsibility when reporting on violence against women. Our Watch seeks to reward this when it is done well.
“This year’s Our Watch Awards entries recognise exemplary reporting. Since the inaugural Our Watch Awards last year, there have been more media reports about violence against women as well as more in-depth reporting.
“We have seen recognition of the disadvantages that exacerbate violence against women. This includes women with disabilities, Indigenous women and those from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
“We have also seen an important focus on the perspectives of women who experience violence. This is reflected in powerful individual stories told in the stories we honour tonight.
“We have seen bystander action increase, including among the media. This includes exposing attitudes and behaviour that normalise and excuse this violence.
“I congratulate the finalists and winners. They deserve acknowledgment for their commitment to ending the scourge of violence against women and their children,” she said.