What is victim blaming language?
Victim blaming language refers to any language that implies, intentionally or unintentionally, that a victim is responsible for the abuse they have experienced. As language evolves, phrases that were once commonly accepted may no longer be appropriate. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain an open and reflective attitude to make sure that our language evolves in a way that supports and respects all individuals.
Why is this important?
Victim blaming language exacerbates the trauma experienced by survivors of abuse and hinders their access to justice and support. Serious case reviews highlight the profound negative effect of victim blaming language on victims themselves and on professional and public perceptions of victims, often leaving them in unsafe and abusive circumstances.
What will I learn?
This session will discuss key themes within ‘child exploitation and abuse: an appropriate language guide’ co-developed by The Children’s Society and NAPAC to explore the critical importance of avoiding victim blaming language in all forms of communications and ensure that the language we use as professionals supports, rather than harms, victims of child exploitation.
Please note we are running three of the same session to allow more people to attend, you only need to attend one.
