Media and Storytelling: Film as a Tool for Understanding Coercive Control (Session 6)

Media and Storytelling: Film as a Tool for Understanding Coercive Control (Session 6)

In this engaging lunch session, filmmaker Adam Joel discusses how media and storytelling—particularly film—can serve as powerful tools for understanding and educating about coercive control. Joel explores how visual narratives can make visible the subtle, insidious patterns of control that are difficult to explain through statistics or legal definitions alone, reaching audiences who might not otherwise engage with academic or clinical discussions of abuse. His presentation examines both the opportunities and responsibilities that come with depicting coercive control in media, discussing how filmmakers can portray these dynamics authentically without sensationalizing or inadvertently reinforcing harmful stereotypes. Joel shares insights from his own work creating films about abusive relationships, revealing the creative and ethical decisions involved in translating survivors’ experiences into compelling narratives that educate viewers while respecting survivors’ dignity and agency. This session is particularly valuable for advocates, educators, and media professionals interested in using storytelling as a prevention and awareness tool. Joel’s work demonstrates how the arts can contribute to broader cultural understanding of coercive control, reaching beyond academic and professional communities.