UK National Print Media Coverage of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) against Refugee Women in Syrian Refugee Camps

Abstract

The vulnerability of Syrian refugee women does not draw the public attention it deserves. In this regard, media coverage thus has an important role to illustrate these women’s vulnerable situation and to create public awareness. This research aims to reveal the sensitivity and awareness level of the UK national print media of SGBV (sexual and gender-based violence) against refugee women in Syrian refugee camps. News published in five daily major UK national newspapers (Guardian, Independent, Daily Telegraph, Times and Sun) between March 15, 2011, and December 15, 2014 referencing Syrian refugee women have been analysed in accordance with feminist critical discourse analysis methods. Results show that media coverage of SGBV against Syrian refugee women is limited. Gender and violence perspectives of the refugee dilemma are mostly ignored.