Language is both socially
constructed and constructs
society. Changing language
therefore changes society.
Special Interests
Domestic Abuse
My key interest is in exploring the language and discourses surrounding domestic violence and abuse, societal representations and attitudes, and the impact of abuse on victims as reflected in their written and spoken language. I am particularly interested in media representations of abuse, and how such representations are responsible for perpetuating, or changing, societal belief systems. I am passionate about changing the language surrounding domestic abuse, for the benefit of victim-survivors in the UK and beyond.
Gender Equality
As a volunteer delegate with UN Women UK at the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women in 2024 (CSW68), I am passionate about delivering gender equality, both in media representations and in corporate communications. Underlying domestic abuse and violence against women and girls are structural inequities which can not only factor in perpetuating abuse, but also become barriers to getting help.
Social and Healthcare
The World Health Organisation has declared violence against women as a public health issue. The UK Home Office has defined it as a women’s health issue. My interests therefore in the language surrounding domestic abuse, become relevant to the language of health and social care. As social issues such as domestic abuse become medicalised by reframing it under healthcare, the resulting language obscures both social and perpetrator responsibilities, thus becoming a driving force away from social change. Within the remits of either, or both, gender equality and domestic abuse, I am committed to pursuing linguistic change within the health and social care systems
