Speaking out publicly is an important part of the social movement against military sexual trauma and military sexual violence. Storytelling is heralded for its liberatory potential and is associated with ‘breaking’ silences and taboos around military sexual violence and military sexual trauma. Storytelling can be also empowering for the trauma survivor, enabling them to reclaim agency over their lives and stories. Yet, the decision to speak out publicly against military sexual trauma is fraught with risk and difficulty. Hence, the politics of military sexual trauma storytelling are an integral factor in the impact that ‘speaking out’ can make, and in the experience for the storyteller.
Joining us to discuss the politics of ‘Speaking Out’ are a panel of expert speakers including:
- Sarah Atherton – Former Member of Parliament and lead on the ‘Women in the Armed Forces’ Parliamentary inquiry
- Diane Allen – Advocate for survivors of military sexual trauma and author of ‘Forewarned: Cockups, conspiracies & misogyny in the British Army (1983-2020)
- Gemma Morgan – Speaker & Author of 'Pink Camouflage - A Soldier’s Battle Within’
- Emma Norton – Director, Centre for Military Justice
- Sian Norris – Senior Investigative Reporter at Open Democracy
- Rosie Laydon – Reporter at Forces News, BFBS
- Donna Van Leusden - Survivor Perspectives
There will be opportunities for audience dialogue with our panel, and to share your thoughts on how to promote a more inclusive and welcoming culture for ‘speaking out’. Please note Some further details regarding this event:
- The event is not being recorded, and we ask that all attendees respect the privacy of others by not taking or sharing photographs
- This is a mixed gender setting and open to currently serving and ex-service Personnel. We ask that those who are currently serving do not attend in uniform.
- While we are not inviting detailed disclosures during the event, there will be on-site counselling support available to attend to any distress that may arise when discussing the politics of ‘speaking out’ against military sexual trauma
- A full agenda and additional information will be sent to all registered attendees ahead of the event.
- This event includes lunch, and booking is essential.
- We also have a small number of travel bursaries to support attendance at this event. Priority for bursaries will be given to unwaged attendees and those unable to claim travel expenses from their employer or organisation. If you wish to be considered for a bursary, please contact Nick Caddick at ARU no later than 25th June.
If you have any further questions about the event, please feel free to contact the lead organiser, Dr Nick Caddick: nick.caddick@aru.ac.uk
[LS 23.05.25]
