Screening Sexual Violence

How can storytelling contribute to the prevention of sexual violence?

This special screening brings together a curated selection of narrative and documentary short films exploring sexual violence across screen and online environments, including image-based sexual abuse (IBSA), gender-based violence, and the social and cultural conditions that enable harm.

The films offer diverse perspectives on experiences of violence, survival, accountability, resistance, and prevention. Together, they invite audiences to consider how sexual violence is represented, understood, and challenged through screen media.

The short films are curated by – and will be introduced by – Claire Henry (Associate Professor in Screen, Flinders University) and Donna Peberdy (Professor of Gender, Sexuality, Screen and Culture, Southampton Solent University, UK).

Following the screening, audience members are invited to stay for a panel discussion with filmmakers, researchers, and frontline practitioners working in sexual violence prevention, survivor advocacy, and digital safety education. The discussion will explore the role of media, policy, regulation, education, and community action in responding to screen-based and online harms, while highlighting pathways towards prevention and social change.

This event is designed to foster thoughtful, informed, and respectful conversation about one of the most pressing challenges facing contemporary media and digital culture.

Content note: The films and discussion address themes of sexual violence, image-based abuse, gender-based violence, and related harms. No explicit abuse material will be shown. Audience members are encouraged to engage in ways that feel appropriate to their wellbeing, and support resources will be available.

A full list of films and panel speakers will be added closer to the event – please check back or keep an eye on the ANZSOC Conference 2026 website.

This event follows the Australian and New Zealand Society of Criminology (ANZSOC) pre-conference workshop on Regulating Sexual Violence Content across Screen and Online Media and is presented by Assemblage Centre for Creative Practice Research.