Arts groups unite over harassment
AUSTRALIAN theatre companies are joining forces to combat sexual harassment and bullying amid concerns many instances go unreported for fear of repercussions.
The move was sparked by a union survey of 1124 workers in the live entertainment industry that found at least 40 per cent had been sexually harassed.
Half of those and 60 per cent of witnesses did not report sexual harassment, criminal misconduct or bullying because of worries about potential professional repercussions or the belief it was futile or could worsen the situation.
The survey by the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance was last week sent to theatre companies that responded with a commitment to work together to solve the problem.
The Confederation of Australian State Theatre companies and Griffin Theatre will host a forum in an attempt to drive change in the industry.
“This is a unique moment in history,” said Zoe Angus from the MEAA. “The revelations of sexual harassment in our industry have been sickening, but the rise of the #metoo movement has been inspiring.
“We now have an opportunity to work together to solve this problem.”
The move comes amid the fallout from allegations that big names in the US entertainment industry sexually harassed and abused colleagues.