The UK film and screen industry is failing to tackle sexual harassment, with some victims punished or victimized if they do speak out, according to a new report looking at the experiences of staff in a range of roles across the television and film industry.
The UK film and screen industry is failing to tackle sexual harassment, with some victims punished or victimized if they do speak out, according to a new report looking at the experiences of staff in a range of roles across the television and film industry.
The research, led by an academic at the University of York, reveals that sexual harassment and abuse is still occurring in the industry despite the #MeToo movement and that some reports are being covered up, with staff exposed to further discrimination.
The report is titled “Safe to Speak Up?” and is based on research interviews with 18 people working in the UK screen industry who experienced and/or reported sexual harassment and violence at work, including sexualized comments, having unsolicited sexual images shared with them, unwanted sexual approaches, indecent exposure and sexual assault.
Some interviewees describe being encouraged to speak out about harassment and abuse, but then being punished or victimized when they did so.
Interviewees detailed a range of damaging impacts associated with their experiences, including feelings of shame and self-doubt, panic attacks and the loss of career opportunities and confidence.
Lead author of the study, Dr. Anna Bull from the Department of Education at the University of York, said, “Sexual harassment can occur in many different workplaces, but it is more prevalent where there are greater levels of inequality between staff. The screen industry has high levels of gender inequality, with more men in positions of power, as well as a steep workplace hierarchy. An obvious example of this is in the treatment of “the talent” (a term which refers to actors and presenters) who are given higher status and protections compared to others on set.
