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Association For Electronic Music launches helpline for victims of sexual harassment and abuse
By Andy Malt | Published on Thursday 21 December 2017
The Association For Electronic Music has launched a new support service for people who experience sexual harassment and abuse within the electronic music industry. Set up in partnership with Health Assured, the new service will offer advice and guidance to those who call a dedicated phone line.
“Since its formation, AFEM has championed equality and inclusion as vital foundations of our industry and we unequivocally condemn sexual abuse and harassment of any kind”, says AFEM CEO Mark Lawrence. “To step forward as a victim of abuse or harassment takes immense courage and we will support all who need help and guidance”.
As previously reported, there has been increased focus on the prevalence of sexual misconduct in the music industry in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal in Hollywood. Various men at differing levels of the industry have been named as serial abusers, while many more have been discussed anonymously, exposing the breadth of sexism and misogyny that still exists in the business.
Last month, nearly 2000 women in the Swedish music industry called for change to the music sector’s current corporate culture, a call then echoed by over 300 women working in the Australian industry. Then this week, in the UK, a new campaign called Stop2018 was launched aiming to “end the toxic culture of silence around the issue”, and setting out a number of measures that will help begin that process.
While these campaigns are undoubtedly important and highlight the absolute need for wholesale change in the industry, AFEM’s new helpline will provide immediate support to those affected by the issues raised.
Speaking about the helpline, Radio 1 presenter B Traits comments: “Without exception, every woman I know has either been the victim of sexual harassment or supported their closest friend through the aftermath. The most difficult thing to do is speak up and report it. If you are someone who has suffered from sexual harassment, I encourage you to call this safe and confidential helpline so that you can begin to heal and those who assault and harass can face the consequences of their actions”.
You can speak confidentially to specially trained staff now by calling 0800 030 5182.
