A new report looking at sexual harassment in the UK film and screen industry has found it is still happening despite victims being encouraged to speak out.
The report, produced by 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.
It is based on research interviews with people working in the UK screen industry who experienced and/or reported sexual harassment and violence at work, including sexualised comments, having unsolicited sexual images shared with them, unwanted sexual approaches, indecent exposure and sexual assault.
Some interviewees despite being encouraged to speak out about harassment and abuse, they were punished or victimised when they did so.
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.
“This study shows us that six years on from the #MeToo movement, sexual harassment and violence are still occurring in the industry. The research shows some of the devastating impacts that sexual harassment and violence in the workplace can have and reveals that women are still losing their jobs and careers as a result of reporting it. Despite these life-changing impacts, in many workplaces, the minimum legal requirements for addressing this issue are still not in place.”
The incidents of harassment and abuse occurred in a variety of workplace settings, including filming on location, and international industry events, said the report.
The full report is available to read here.
