The media plays a significant role in the way we understand and respond to sexual violence and exploitation. Although people are not passive recipients moulded by media influences without any capacity for critical reflection, the media does not only reflect our dominant assumptions about what is ‘normal’, ‘natural’ and ‘inevitable’ – it helps to create and reinforce them. It can also, under the right circumstances, play a role in challenging them.

WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?

This training course, aimed at both trainee and qualified journalists, will include a critical examination of language and terminology used to describe issues relating to the sex trade, with a view to bringing about long-term and sustainable change by improving the quality and accuracy of reporting this issue.

WHEN AND WHERE

This training will be available on two different dates. Note that the content of both sessions will be the same.

Option 1: Wednesday 10 April 2019, from 3 to 6pm

Option 2: Tuesday 16 April 2019, from 5.30 to 8.30pm

On both dates, the training will take place at the IMPRESS office: 16-18 New Bridge Street, EC4V 6AG.

FORMAT

The course will be an interactive 3-hour session. It will focus on effective and accurate reporting on prostitution and trafficking. It will also feature videos filmed by Bindel over a period of two years whilst researching her book, The Pimping of Prostitution: Abolishing the Sex Work Myth (2017), which feature talks by sex trade survivors,

TRAINERS

Julie Bindel (@bindelj): Investigative journalist, trainer, and campaigner against sexual violence, abuse and exploitation.

Fional Boradfoot (@BuildaGirlProj): Founder of Build a Girl, public speaker and sex trade survivor.