More associations commit to moves as sexual harassment incidents rise

More associations are committing themselves to stamping out sexual harassment, asan increasing number of incidents are reported in the music sector.

The UK-based Association for Electronic Music (AFEM) is set to launch a code of conduct for its 1500 members, which includes festivals, artists, labels, publishers, promoters, venues and management companies.

This comes in the wake of last month’sintroduction of a helpline to provide advice and guidance for anyone within the EMD industry affected by sexual abuse or harassment.

AFEM CEO Mark Lawrence said: “To step forward as a victim of abuse or harassment takes immense courage, and we will support all who need help and guidance through this support service.”

The international phone line for Australian victims is +44 800 030 5182.

Following on from open letters by women in the music industries of Australia and Sweden, their counterparts in the UK have launched a campaign called Stop 2018 to “end the toxic culture of silence around the issue.

“We are empowered because we are aware of many stories of severe abuse. These are stories of predatory behaviour, rape and assault usually on vulnerable persons by people in positions of power.”

The campaign calls on UK Music and other organisations to set up a safe place where anyone working in the biz can speak in confidence.

It demands that music firms stop working with executives who have exhibited predatory or bullying behaviour.

“We are calling for an end to managers and labels telling artists they need to wear provocative clothing or flirt with executives to be successful.”

Perth community radio station RTRFM issued a statement that it stands against sexual harassment, violence and discrimination and fully supports those who have experienced sexual harassment, violence and discrimination.

Two of its directors, Ai-Ling Truong and Adele Tan, with support from the station board and staff, are working with the community to develop a safe spaces initiative.

Over 300 women who work in the USA’s film, television, and theater launched a $13 million legal defence fund to combat sexual harassment and assault in low-wage workplaces “who lack the resources to hold perpetrators accountable.”

The legal fund is part a wider Times Up initiative, reportedly set up by four female booking agents at the CAA agency, which is pushing for legislation to penalise companies which turn a blind eye to harassment in their offices and use non-disclosure agreements to stop victims from going public.

It also wants entertainment companies to target equal numbers of male and female-identifying executives by 2020.

Tasmanian Police are calling for help from patrons to provide additional evidence as they investigate three alleged sexual assaults at Falls Festival in Marion Bay.

A 32-year old man was charged after his alleged 19-year old victim and her friend made a citizen’s arrest, and turned him over to security, which alerted police.

The victim of the third alleged incident reported her assault but decided she didn’t want a formal police investigation into the matter.

After incidents in 2017, Falls installed more security cameras at the mosh-pit for its latest edition.

At the Rhythm and Vines festival in Gisbourne, New Zealand on New Year’s Eve, a man who groped a 20-year old topless woman, was punched in the face a number of times by her. Her friend threw a drink in his face.

Jann Wenner, New York based co-founder of Rolling Stone, is the latest high profile music and media executive to be accused of assault.

Former employee Jonathan Wells claimed in Buzzfeed that in February 1983, when he was 28, he was visiting Wenner at his Manhattan apartment when he was pinned down and forced to engage in oral sex.

He was later given a job heading the magazine’s books division, and fired two years later during a restructure.

Wenner said his recollection of the encounter was it was “totally mutual and consensual — absolutely, and without question”. He added, “I am completely surprised by these allegations, as we have remained friends for almost 35 years since then.”

Two months ago Wenner was also accused by a journalist of offering a writing deal in exchange for sex

Last week, the Disney-owned ABC network dumped a three-hour live broadcast Rolling Stone special set to air in America on February 7.

Wenner was one of the five executive producers.

The special was to celebrate Rolling Stone’s 50 years, with a look at the icons who shaped music, pop culture and politics in that era through live performances and video footage.

US digital company Vice Media put President Andrew Creighton and Chief Digital Officer Mike Germano on leave while it investigates allegations from 24 women that they saw or experienced groping and forced kisses.