Horizontal Violence: When Colleagues Hurt Colleagues

Interpreting is a profession built on relationships, including the relationships we have with our colleagues. Yet those interactions are not always supportive.

Horizontal violence describes behaviours between members of a professional or peer group that undermine, diminish or harm one another. It can take many forms, from gossip, exclusion and undermining comments to public criticism, hostile feedback and harmful online interactions. The effects do not stop with the interpreters involved. These behaviours can also affect working relationships, the quality of our practice and, ultimately, the Deaf clients and communities we serve.

In this interactive webinar, Brett Best will explore what horizontal violence is and, importantly, what it is not. Together, we will consider why these behaviours may develop within interpreting communities, the impact of professional culture and online spaces, and the sometimes difficult boundary between harmful criticism and necessary professional feedback.

Through discussion and real-world examples, participants will explore how to respond when they experience or witness these behaviours, how to navigate difficult professional interactions and how we can each contribute to a healthier, more reflective professional culture.

What We’ll Cover

• Understanding what horizontal violence is and what it is not

• Exploring the different ways harmful colleague behaviours can show up in professional settings

• Considering the impact of gossip, exclusion, undermining comments, criticism and online interactions

• Examining why these behaviours may develop within interpreting communities

• Reflecting on the boundary between harmful behaviour and necessary professional feedback

• Considering how these experiences can affect practitioners, working relationships and Deaf clients

• Exploring practical ways to respond when experiencing or witnessing harmful behaviours

• Reflecting on how we can contribute to a healthier professional culture

Why Attend?

Professional relationships matter, and difficult interactions with colleagues can be challenging to navigate. Whether experienced directly or observed around us, harmful behaviours can affect confidence, trust, communication and practice.

This webinar offers a space to explore these issues more openly, increase understanding of horizontal violence within the profession and consider practical ways to respond more constructively.

Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of the topic, greater insight into how these behaviours can affect the profession and ideas for contributing to a more thoughtful and supportive professional culture.

Workshop Information

• Trainer: Brett Best

• Date: Monday 18 October 2027

• Format: Online via Zoom

• Session type: Interactive webinar with discussion and reflection

• Suitable for: Sign language interpreters, sign language translators, trainee practitioners and other language professionals

• CPD Certificate: Provided following attendance (2points)

• Course Materials: Workshop handbook provided to participants

Please note: This is an interactive session. Participants are encouraged to contribute to discussion and reflection throughout the webinar.