Press make it clear women remain possessions of men – even in death.
Helen Nicoll, 53, was found dead over the weekend from a gunshot. Police are investigating and have arrested a 53 year old man. At this moment, no further details have been released officially.
The media, however, have felt it necessary to refer to Nicoll as the possession of her husband.:
Independent: Wife of Harley Street dentist found dead in Cambridgeshire home
Telegraph: Murder investigation launched after wife of Harley Street dentist found dead
Daily Mail: Murder probe launched into shock death of top Harley Street dentist's wife after villagers heard 'incredibly loud bang' at their £1.5million home
Mirror: Murder probe launched into shock death of top Harley Street dentist's wife after villagers heard 'incredibly loud bang' at their £1.5million home
International Business Times: Man arrested on suspicion of murder after wife of Harley Street dentist is found dead
Sunday Times: Suspect bailed in killing of top dentist’s wife
Helen Nicoll was also a dentist - she was a co-partner in the private Cambridge dental practise with her husband. She was also a mother of 3 children and had a life of her own. None of these matter though - Nicoll's death is only considered newsworthy because her husband also had a dental practice in Harley Street.
Nicoll matters to the media only as a possession of a wealthy medical professional. She is not a person in her own right: just an object whose value exists only in relation to a man.
The Telegraph and Daily Mail also felt it necessary to note the cost of Nicoll's home, as well as the number of bedrooms. Apparently, murder victims only count if they live in million pound homes.
This is misogyny and demonstrates just how appallingly the media cover the murder of women. It is irresponsible and crass journalism that makes it very clear why the press cannot be allowed to regulate themselves.
Helen Nicoll's death matters because she was human too.
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[…] We have written previously on the deeply misogynistic coverage of the death of Helen Nicoll. This front page of the Daily Mail is the final piece of evidence for our statement: Press make it clear women remain possessions of men – even in death. […]