New practical guide: Communicating competently about gender-based violence

Why communication is crucial

How media, press offices, and communications departments talk about violence significantly influences how it is understood by society. Trivializing terms like "family drama," stereotypical imagery, or a one-sided focus on the perpetrator can obscure structural causes. At the same time, responsible communication determines whether the perspectives of those affected are made visible and whether support services are known.

"Sensitive and responsible communication is a key component in preventing, combating, and overcoming gender-based violence," says Rana Göroğlu, author of the guide and Senior Expert at EAF Berlin. "This is where the guide comes in: it offers information and suggestions on how to implement competent communication on the topic in practice and how to develop tailored guidelines for your own institution, editorial office, or department."

What the guide offers

The guide is aimed at managers and employees in media, press and public relations, and PR agencies. It combines professional analysis with concrete tools for practice and includes:

• Tips and ideas for developing tailored guidelines for your own work context
• Ideas for developing institution-specific guidelines
• Recommendations for trauma-sensitive interviewing
• Guidance on word choice and visual language
• Strategies for professionally handling online reactions
• Information on specialist services and contact points
• a compact overview of the most important dos and don'ts

The development of the guide was professionally supported by Karin Heisecke, an expert on gender-based violence and gender representation in the media. Perspectives from experts in the media, PR, and communications industry were also incorporated.

Accompanying the guide, a resource list is being published with links to basic and background information, practical tips, and specialist services and contact points.

With these publications, the "Together Against Sexism" alliance strengthens quality standards in public communication and underscores the responsibility of professional actors to foster a nuanced social debate.

The guide is available for free download:
Download the guide