Child Sexual Abuse in Turkish Newspaper Reports: A News-Based Case Profile for the 2016–2021 Period

Abstract

This study aimed to develop a news-based case profile of child sexual abuse reported in Turkey between 2016 and 2021. Using directed content analysis, 564 newspaper items retrieved from the Sabah archive were purposively selected and coded with a standardized “Child Abuse News Form”. Coded variables covered publication year, perpetrator and victim demographics, perpetrator–victim proximity, setting, duration/repetition, disclosure source, and reported judicial process. Frequencies and percentages were computed in SPSS for descriptive purposes. News coverage clustered in 2018 and 2016. Most victims were girls, predominantly aged 13–18, while perpetrators were overwhelmingly male and most frequently reported in the 40–60 age range. Perpetrators were commonly described as acquaintances/neighbors, and the home was the most frequently reported setting. High rates of “not specified” information (e.g., perpetrator age, proximity, duration) indicate substantial reporting gaps. Findings underscore the need for standardized, child-rights-based reporting and stronger accountability mechanisms in media coverage.

Keywords

• newspaper news
• child sexual abuse
• media representation
• news-based case profile

Türkiye’de Gazete Haberlerinde Çocuk Cinsel İstismarı: 2016-2021 Dönemine İlişkin Haber Temelli Vaka Profili

Abstract

Bu çalışma, Türkiye’de 2016–2021 yılları arasında Sabah gazetesi arşivinde yayımlanan 0–18 yaş çocuk cinsel istismarı haberlerinden hareketle haber temelli bir vaka profili çıkarmayı amaçlamıştır. Yönlendirilmiş içerik analizi kapsamında amaçlı örnekleme ile seçilen 564 haber, “Çocuk İstismarı Haber Fişi” ile kodlanmış; SPSS’te frekans ve yüzde dağılımları hesaplanmıştır. Haberler 2018 ve 2016 yıllarında yoğunlaşmıştır. Mağdurların büyük bölümü 13–18 yaş grubunda ve kız çocuktur; faillerin çok büyük kısmı erkektir ve en sık 40–60 yaş aralığında raporlanmıştır. Failin mağdura tanıdık/komşu olması yaygındır; olayın gerçekleştiği yer en sık ev olarak belirtilmiştir. Süre, fail yaşı ve yakınlık gibi alanlarda “belirtilmemiş” oranlarının yüksekliği dikkat çekmektedir. Bulgular, haberleme pratiklerinde standart veri sunumu ve çocuk odaklı etik ilkelerin güçlendirilmesi gereğine işaret etmektedir.

Keywords

• gazete haberleri
• çocuk cinsel istismarı
• medya temsili
• vaka profili

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