Emotions language matters

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Barnardos Language Matters Presentation

EMOTIONS LANGUAGE MATTERS

The language we use to describe children and their life experiences – both what we say and how we say it – can:
have a devastating impact on children
influence the way children feel about their experiences
act as a significant barrier to protecting children from abuse and exploitation
influence understanding about, and reflect and shift attitudes towards, key areas of children's lives
influence the interventions children are provided with
influence whether or not we, as an organisation, are seen to understand the complexities of the issues we are working with.
Through our language we can influence better outcomes for more children

It is essential that we communicate clearly and appropriately when communicating about child abuse and exploitation. But, our accountability shouldn’t end there. We have a responsibility to also actively challenge inappropriate language, discourses, and narratives used by others about child abuse and exploitation.
Not to do so is not only an injustice to the very children and young people we are here to support, but
to all children affected by abuse or exploitation, and all those we might wish to support in the future.

The language we use attributes concept of vulnerability, and power, and describes the relationship between ‘abusers’ and ‘abused’, and influences perceptions of victims
Those who have experienced exploitation and abuse say it is essential that the language we use when talking about this issue is founded on strong principles of non-victim blaming, and based on respect and understanding of the context in which abuse and exploitation happens.
It is of paramount importance that children are viewed, protected and supported as victims of exploitation and not as culpable, deserving, or in any way responsible for their own abuse or exploitation.

‘Victim blaming’ is defined as the transference of blame from the perpetrator of a crime to the victim
Victim blaming language is language therefore implies that a person who has been victimised is, in some way or form, complicit or responsible, for the harm they have experienced
First coined by William Ryan in 1971 - used the term ‘blaming the victim’ to argue that shifting blame towards Black people in the US was justifying racism and violence towards Black communities by white people in power
Victim blaming is common to many social problems
In our work with children, victim blaming language acts to place responsibility on a child to change, rather than on an adult to stop harming a child

Blaming children, inadvertently or otherwise, for their own abuse/exploitation is never acceptable
Ensuring appropriate use of language is a vital step towards reducing victim blaming of children affected by abuse and exploitation

Avoid language that might shame children
Use language that reflects the presence of coercion, manipulation, and lack of control children have in exploitative/abusive situations

Principle 6 Use language that recognises the severity of the impact of abuse/exploitation on children

Use language that frames abuse/exploitation within a ‘children’s rights’ and ‘social model’ framework

Principle 8 Use language which places the problem within society, not within a child

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