A collaboration between Welsh Women’s Aid, NUJ Training Cymru Wales and ITV Cymru Wales.
This event is free of charge but you must register to attend as places are limited.
6 March 2018, 2-5.30pm, ITV Cymru Wales, Cardiff
You are invited to an event that will explore the reporting of violence against women. It will give journalists, editors and producers the chance to discuss what works, and what doesn’t, when reporting on domestic abuse, sexual violence and all other forms of violence against women. Other topics that will be covered include access and relationship building; the use of language; identification; and duty of care after transmission or publication. Participants will include other journalists, experts from Welsh Women’s Aid, other specialist services, and survivors of abuse.
The media portrayal of violence against women is critically important. It has the power to educate the public and influence people’s behaviour, attitudes and judgements: a 2009 report[1] found that the media can encourage society to justify violence against women, by focusing unduly on assumed ‘reasons’ and ‘causes’ for the violence.[2]
Attendees will have the opportunity to talk with survivors and specialist services about their experience of working with the media and discuss the NUJ guidelines around reporting on violence against women.
“When it came to leaving or reporting abuse, some of our biggest barriers were facing social stigma and the fear of the victimisation we would face. The media are our biggest asset to removing these barriers…The portrayal of women who have been through abuse in the media can have an empowering or a devastating effect and the difference is subtle.”
– Survivor
In the lead up to International Women’s Day (8 March), this event will also provide journalists with an opportunity to gather stories and ideas.
Panel:
[1] Mass Media influence on the attribution of culpability and the justification of gender violence, C. Herrera and F.Exposito
[2] Handle with Care: A guide to responsible media reporting of violence against women