August 29, 2018
Screen guilds tackle industry harassment
Screen guilds are holding a workshop in Auckland next week to discuss sexual harassment in the industry.
Erina Tamepo from Māori guild Ngā Aho Whakaari says it’s in response to the challenges raised by the new Screen Women's Action Group or SWAG, which is calling for the industry to adopt harassment policies.
She says people need guidance on what steps to take when someone alleges or discloses abuse, including in situations where they don’t want to make a formal complaint.
There has been an industry shift in the wake of allegations around Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein and the formation of the Me Too movement.
"I’m just feeling there's power coming back where it was previously lost and that is the building of awareness, the creation of organisations like SWAG who are saying 'We're not going to stand for this nonsense any more.' This impacts severely on people's wairua, their health. It's about being accountable," Ms Tamepo says.
She says often it’s the youngest workers who are most vulnerable to sexual harassment or assault, but it can happen all levels in the industry.
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