SUN, GUARDIAN, DAILY TRUST AND DAILY TRIBUNE NEWSPAPERS’ FRAMING OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN NIGERIA FROM MARCH TO MAY 2024

This study examines the framing of domestic violence in Nigeria as reported by four major newspapers—The Sun, The Guardian, Daily Trust, and Daily Tribune— between March and May 2024. The research is anchored on the media framing theory, which explains how the presentation of news influences public perception and interpretation of social issues. Using content analysis as the research method, a total of selected news stories, features, and editorials on domestic violence were systematically analyzed to identify dominant frames, frequency of coverage, tone, and depth of reporting. Findings reveal that while all four newspapers gave attention to domestic violence, the level of prominence and framing patterns varied significantly. The Guardian and Daily Trust tended to adopt more issue-based and analytical frames, emphasizing causes, legal implications, and societal impact, whereas The Sun and Daily Tribune were more inclined toward episodic framing, focusing on individual incidents and sensational elements. The study also found that victim-blaming narratives were minimal but still present in subtle forms, while advocacy and preventive reporting were not consistently emphasized across the newspapers. Furthermore, the research highlights that domestic violence was underreported relative to its prevalence, and coverage often lacked follow-up stories and expert perspectives. The study concludes that the framing of domestic violence in Nigerian newspapers has implications for public awareness, policy formulation, and societal attitudes toward victims. It recommends that media organizations adopt more thematic and solution-oriented reporting styles to enhance public understanding and contribute to the reduction of domestic violence in Nigeria.