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Stop using terms ‘prostitute’ and ‘porn star’, journalists urged

Rachel AdamsonJournalists have been urged not to use terms including “prostitute” and “porn star” in stories about women subjected to violence by men.

Women’s charity Zero Tolerance has issued fresh guidance for reporters, which it says will aid newsrooms to cover violence against women “responsibly and accurately”.

The new set of guidelines include a language guide, which features a list of alternative terms for journalists to consider in their coverage.

When reporting on prostitution and pornography, reporters are encouraged to avoid terms including prostitute, sex worker, porn actress and porn star.

The guidance instead asks them to described their subject as a “woman who sells sex”, or a “woman involved in pornography/prostitution”.

It states: “Prostitution and pornography are exploitative of women and the language used should reflect this. It is not work and using ‘prostitute’ or ‘porn actress’ suggests a job title.”

Among other terms suggested for replacement, journalists are asked to use the term “image-based sexual abuse” instead of “revenge porn”.

Newsrooms are also urged to ask women who have experienced male violence against them whether they prefer to be referred to as a “victim” or a “survivor”.

The guidance added: “Some women who’ve experienced VAWG identify as victims, and some identify as survivors. It is best to ask the individual which they would prefer.

“Where this is not possible, use ‘victim’ when an attack has resulted in the murder of a woman and when discussing the crime or criminal justice system.

“Although victim is a legal definition which is necessary in the criminal justice system, some women prefer to use survivor as a term of empowerment. Use ‘survivor’ when not discussing the crime or criminal justice system.

“You can also use ‘victim-survivor’ if you are not sure, or if you are speaking in general terms, or, if you have permission, use the woman’s name.”

Zero Tolerance’s co-director Rachel Adamson, pictured, added: “Many news agencies, journalists, and editors continue to perpetuate myths and misconceptions when reporting on the violence and abuse women experience.

“Stories often use problematic framing and inconsiderate language, which normalises and accepts violence against women and girls.”

Zero Tolerance and the End Violence Against Women Coalition have also teamed up to launch a national award recognising excellence in reporting on violence against women and girls.

The Write to End Violence Against Women media awards have been in Scotland since 2013 and to celebrate the 10th annual awards, they have been expanded across the whole of the United Kingdom.

The new guidance can be found in full here.