Get Involved: Setting the Story Straight – HBA and Media

Working with survivors of and individuals/communities affected by ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA) and harmful practices, Savera UK often encounters a lack of understanding or the perpetuation of unhelpful myths and stereotypes that means harmful cultural traditions such as HBA, female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage remain hidden or misunderstood.

We also frequently see these myths and stereotypes reflected in the media. Media – whether television, radio, print or digital – has the power to shape opinions and ideas. It can influence our opinions on issues, the way we see different communities and how we see ourselves.

If accurate awareness around harmful practices is to be raised and they are to be challenged, representation is vital as it can break down barriers, dispel myths, create role models and even inspire.

Savera UK is currently working on a project, supported by Lloyds Bank Foundation, to explore representation of harmful practices such as HBA, FGM and forced marriage in the UK media, and how journalists interact with survivors, affected communities and the professionals that work with them.

Through a set of surveys and an online event, we aim to create a set of media guidelines, ​informed by the experiences of survivors, ​to help journalists work better with professionals and survivors, to end the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes and improve representation.

We are currently seeking the thoughts, experiences and opinions of survivors, members of affected communities and professionals who work in this space, to help inform these guidelines. To participate, please click the relevant link below:

For survivors or members of affected communities: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/SUK_Survey_Survivors

For professionals: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/SUK_Survey_Professionals

The deadline to respond is by 5pm on Monday 23rd May.

If you would also like to register interest in attending our free webinar: Setting the Story Straight: Challenging and informing media representation of ‘honour’-based abuse and harmful practices click here.