Day Seminar "Breaking the Silence: An Interdisciplinary Exploration into the Complexities of Violence"

As we convene to explore this critical intersection, the seminar aims to transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries. By adopting an interdisciplinary approach that draws from the fields of anthropology, sociology, psychology, gender studies, law, philosophy and animal welfare, we seek to unravel the intricate layers that contribute to the perpetuation of gender-based violence and cruelty towards animals. Through a lens that recognizes the shared impact on both human and non-human lives, "Breaking the Silence" strives to create a platform for critical academic examination, open dialogue, and collective reflection. The silence that surrounds these issues must be shattered, and it is through our combined efforts that we hope to pave the way for a deeper understanding and informed advocacy.

The following research inquiries will guide our discussions and investigations: How do cultural norms, power dynamics, and hierarchies influence the perpetuation of both gender-based violence and animal cruelty? What psychological factors may be at play in individuals who engage in both gender-based violence and cruelty towards animals? How does the legal framework address the intersectionality of gender-based violence and animal cruelty, and are there gaps that need to be addressed? What role does empathy play in preventing and addressing gender-based violence and animal cruelty, and how can it be cultivated on a societal level? Are there cultural or historical contexts that shape attitudes toward the link between violence against humans and animals, and how can awareness be raised within these contexts? To what extent does media portrayal and public discourse influence the normalization or condemnation of behaviors related to both gender-based violence and animal cruelty?

We invite participants to actively engage, question assumptions, and contribute to the discourse. This collaboration aims to break the silence and cultivate a space where empathy, awareness, and action become catalysts for positive change in our interconnected world.

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Program

Contact Info:
Lucya Passiatore: lucya@tlu.ee
Kristiina Rebane: kaarup@tlu.ee