Uncovering Narratives: The Effects of Algerian Media and Legal System on Survivors of Domestic Violence

Abstract

The chapter explores the social impact of Algeria’s 2015 law criminalizing domestic violence in the country. It focuses on the contradictory media perceptions of domestic violence that emerged in response to the enactment of the law, which appeared on mainstream national news networks. These responses, however, are largely removed from the actual experiences of domestic violence survivors. The remainder of the chapter explores the discrepancies between these media narratives and the actual experiences of domestic violence survivors in the Algerian legal system. Ultimately this chapter aims to elevate the voices of survivors, create a more informed understanding of how domestic violence is being handled in Algerian courts, and analyze these experiences against the rhetoric on domestic violence in mainstream media.