The Language Lab 

"The problem of violence is inextricably linked to the problem of representation." | Dr Linda Coates & Dr Allan Wade

The Language Lab provides information on the role of language in representing violence and abuse, and tools to help us use language to more accurately represent violence and other adversities. It recognises that language can be used in restrictive or liberating ways to:

  • conceal or reveal violence
  • obscure or reveal offender responsibility
  • conceal or reveal responses and resistance; and
  • blame or contest the blaming of, victims (1).

Language Lab Resources and Tools

Download the second edition of the Language and Violence Resource Kit.

Download the second edition of The Fact Pattern - an example of improved accuracy and evidence.

Download the My Check tool for people with lived experience of violence.

Download the Checking My Practice tool for responders

Example of the ideas applied

An analysis of an account of a woman's experience of domestic violence by Practice Exchange participants from the Penrith Women's Health Centre.

In the Media

Coverage of Professor Linda Coates sharing her research at third South West Sydney Domestic Violence Conference.

1. Dr Linda Coates and Dr Allan Wade (2007), 'Language and Violence: Analysis of Four Discursive Operations', Journal of Family Violence, 22:511-522.

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