Recent events and research highlight the need for guidance surrounding the public discourse and language regarding child sexual exploitation. ICMEC Australia is very conscious of the impact of terminology in this space, because using consistent and accurate language is key to preventing continued harm to children. Some of our laws in Australia use the wrong language, which can form unhelpful habits in relation to the sexual abuse and exploitation of children.
Our February 2023 event focused on the importance of using appropriate terminology in relation to child sexual exploitation. View the recording below.
Please note that the research featured in this presentation is ongoing and the results may be subject to change. If you would like to get involved and provide feedback to Dr McCallum, please contact her on mediaguidesproject@canberra.edu.au
Dr Kerry McCallum, Director of the News & Media Research Centre at the University of Canberra. Kerry’s research specialises in the relationships between changing media and Australian social policy. She leads the Breaking Silences: Media and the Child Abuse Royal Commission project, and has been contracted by the National Office for Child Safety to develop evidence-based guidelines for journalists reporting on child sexual abuse, and victims and survivors when engaging with the media. In 2022, Kerry received the Vice-Chancellor’s UC Researcher of the Year award in recognition of her research and its impact.
We’re currently finalising the details for our March Brown Bag Event and will provide details shortly.
If you have a topic suggestion for future events, please email event@icmec.org.au