The safety of journalists is not only about physical wellbeing. Safety extends to protection against impending psychological injury resulting from exposure to violence, conflict, disaster and tragedy. Both psychological safety and physical safety are inextricably linked. Research shows¹ that people who experience psychological trauma may have impaired decision making processes and take more physical risks than non trauma affected persons. Further studies show that people who are educated about ‘emotional (trauma) literacy’ are able to change their behavior and understand the emotional experience of others better. Therefore, education about trauma awareness focuses on the safety of the journalist and also contributes to media professionals understanding the experience of sources better, resulting in more accurate and ethical journalism.

The purpose of this project is to bring together senior media personnel across all mediums: print, broadcast, visual reporters and management from across the Asia Pacific to provide them with specialized training in the negative effects of psychological trauma exposure and how to deal with it. This is accompanied by training on ethical reporting in the face of traumatic events. The project will provide participants with specialist skills for reporting in situations where subjects are suffering trauma and its aftermath, whilst developing skills to also protect their emotional wellbeing.

In line with the UN Plan Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity, the objective is to create a free safe environment for journalists and media workers in both conflict and non-conflict situations through prevention mechanisms and actions before and after conflict.