Empathy is a cornerstone of responsible journalism, especially when reporting on sensitive issues such as gender-based violence. It shapes not only how stories are written, but also how survivors are treated and how audiences understand complex social realities. When journalists approach stories with empathy, they avoid language that blames victims, respect survivors’ dignity, and prioritize accuracy over sensationalism. This approach minimizes harm and encourages deeper public awareness of the systemic factors behind violence.

Empathy involves understanding another person’s emotions, perspectives, and experiences. It differs from sympathy and compassion: while sympathy expresses concern and compassion includes a desire to help, empathy centers on actively understanding and sharing another person’s perspective. In journalism, this means considering the emotional and social context of those affected, ensuring reporting remains fair, sensitive, and human-centered.

A major challenge in empathetic reporting is avoiding bias - particularly the phenomenon known as “himpathy.” This occurs when media coverage shows disproportionate sympathy toward alleged perpetrators, often highlighting their achievements or personal struggles while downplaying the harm experienced by survivors. Such framing can shift public sympathy away from victims, reinforce stereotypes, and reduce accountability. Responsible journalism counters this by focusing on verified facts, the impact of harm, and balanced context without emotional favoritism.

To practice empathy effectively, journalists should use neutral and precise language, avoid unnecessary details about victims, and provide broader context about gender-based violence. Protecting survivors’ dignity and reflecting on implicit biases are also essential. By prioritizing sensitivity and accuracy, journalists can inform the public while reducing harm and promoting a more just and compassionate narrative.

To learn more about the topic, make sure to check our upcoming Module, “Empathy”, which will be translated in all project languages!