Victim blaming and gender: A framing analysis of news reports of intimate partner homicide

News reporting plays an important role in shaping and reinforcing community understanding of intimate partner violence, as well as assumptions about its nature. This study used a framing analysis of a sample of media reports of intimate partner homicides published on Australian online platforms across a 3-year period (1 August 2014–31 July 2017). The aim was to explore how victim-blaming narratives within media coverage varied according to the gender configuration of the offender/victim pair. The analysis showed that female offenders were often excused when killing a violent male partner, while female victims were blamed for using alcohol, drugs, or infidelity. Male offenders, however, were often excused for using alcohol or drugs, and mental health issues were cited as an excuse for both genders. Overall, this study found that the portrayal of male offenders and victims often aligns with traditional gender stereotypes. Female victims were mainly blamed by the media when they violated these stereotypes, whereas female offenders were excused when they adhered to them. The findings of this research have important implications for policy and practice including reviewing existing media guidelines, providing training and resources, and educating the public.