Why does TV use murderous cruelty against women as entertainment?

Excessive use of violence against women in TV shows does not reflect reality and is not necessary to draw audiences, says Ruth Penfold-Mounce

VIOLENCE against women in television drama has always been high. But in recent years the graphic portrayal of this violence — particularly sexual attacks and murder of women — is on the increase, and the corpse count is rising.

This type of violence targeting women is often seen in crime dramas such as Silent Witness, Spiral or The Killing but achieves new levels in the fantasy series, Game of Thrones. And it is increasingly detailed, intimate and frighteningly authentic.