‘Their voices made them do it? Media stereotypes, violence and voice-hearing’
Palace Green Library Café
14 December 2016, 5 – 7pm
When someone who hears voices commits a violent crime, it is often reported in the media as if the fact they heard voices is sufficient explanation. Is this true, or is there much more to the story?
In this event, we will explore the way in which responsibility, safety and control is understood and experienced when someone hears voices urging them to harm themselves or others. We are joined by:
- Rachel Waddingham (someone with experience of hearing violent voices and not acting on them)
- Akiko Hart (Hearing Voices Project Manager at Mind in Camden, Acting Director of Mental Health Europe)
- Dr Hugh Middleton (University of Nottingham and author of Psychiatry Reconsidered)
- Dr David Jones (University of East London)
- Dr Ruvanee Vilhauer (New York University, pre-recorded video contribution)
By examining the role of the media in reporting on mental health and violent crime, we will unpick media stereotypes and question the link between violent voices and violent acts.
There will be plenty of space for discussion and interaction as we explore this issue in a safe and respectful environment. All are welcome to attend this free event, but places are limited and can be reserved through Eventbrite.
This event will be preceded by a free guided tour of the exhibition from 3:30 – 4:30pm, led by members of the Hearing the Voice research team and students at the ARCH Recovery College in Durham. It will be followed by the UK premiere of Jonathan Balazs’s documentary They Heard Voices at Durham’s Empty Shop from 8pm.