The Association of European Journalists and the WakeUp Foundation invite Bulgarian journalists, representatives of civil society and academia, and the relevant institutions to join the conference “How Do We Tell Stories of Violence?”. The event, featuring Bulgarian and international experts, will take place at 14:00 on 21 October at the Czech Club in Sofia, with financial support from the Lachezar Tsotsorkov Family Foundation.
An analysis by the WakeUp Foundation and technology company Sensika on how Bulgarian media cover violence against women and children will also be presented.
Czech documentary filmmaker and investigative journalist Apolena Rychlikova will discuss responsible journalistic coverage of gender-based violence and sexual exploitation, as well as the impact her investigations have had on Czech legislation. Leading British expert on domestic and gender-based violence Teresa Parker will also take part in the conference, presenting approaches to preventing the secondary victimisation of survivors.
The event is free, but advance registration is required due to limited seating. Register using this link.
On 22 October, the programme continues with workshops where Bulgarian women journalists can learn more about investigating online violence and exploitation, as well as protecting themselves from increasingly widespread digital harassment. AEJ-Bulgaria will announce opportunities to participate very soon!
International Speakers:
Apolena Rychlikova
Journalist, documentary filmmaker and editor-in-chief of Page Not Found · Czechia
Apolena Rychlikova is an award-winning investigative journalist and documentary filmmaker, as well as co-founder and editor-in-chief of the independent Czech media outlet Page Not Found. Her work focuses on online exploitation, sexual violence, digital platforms, influencers, radicalisation, and the ways technology reshapes power and vulnerability. Her reporting has been published by or produced in collaboration with outlets such as The Guardian, European Correspondent, BIRN, OCCRP, CNN and Foreign Policy. She has also written and directed several documentary films, including Limits of Work and The Limits of Europe.
Teresa Parker
Independent expert on domestic violence, violence against women, media and communications · United Kingdom
Teresa Parker is a leading media and communications expert on domestic violence, violence against women and gender-based violence. She has more than 23 years of experience at Women’s Aid Federation England, where she led the media team and worked closely with policy experts, survivors, journalists, broadcasters and creative partners. She now works as an independent expert. Campaigns she has worked on include the award-winning “He’s Coming Home” and #TheUnspokenStat. She also helps bring authentic storylines about domestic violence to wide audiences through television productions such as Coronation Street and EastEnders, working directly with producers and journalists. Teresa supported efforts to criminalise coercive control in the United Kingdom in 2015 and has contributed to similar work in France. She has also developed ethical guidelines for responsible media coverage of gender-based violence.
