Domestic violence: how violence against women manifests itself in media discourse

Abstract

Introduction: Domestic violence against women is a social problem related to male power and dominance, representing a violation of human rights and a serious public health problem. The media can both reinforce stereotypes and raise awareness of the issue. To identify domestic violence against women through discourse analysis. Methods: This study used an integrative review to investigate domestic violence against women in media discourses, with data from October 2024 from the VHL and CAPES databases. Full-length articles in Portuguese and English from the last 10 years were included. The research followed the stages of problem identification, literature selection and inclusion, guided by the PCC strategy and the PRISMA®  Flowchart for analysis. Results: Violence against women is seen as the result of a machista construction that normalises control and aggression, sustained by discourses that reinforce stereotypes of female submission. Campaigns seek to recognise women as subjects of rights, but despite protective laws, social resistance continues to provoke high rates of violence against women. Conclusion: The media often naturalises domestic violence and blames the victims, reinforcing patriarchal structures and gender stereotypes. To combat this reality, it is necessary to value female protagonism, avoid blame and create safe spaces for women to share their experiences, promoting a fairer and more equal society.