Sexual violence doesn’t discriminate; predators and abusers lurk even in showbiz. While it was first established by Tarana Burke in 2006, the Me Too movement gained traction in the film industry in 2017. The barrage of sexual assault allegations against former film producer Harvey Weinstein prompted the landslide of accusations from women and men in Hollywood against powerful film executives and actors.
Sexual assault, however, isn’t foreign in the film industry. This predatory dynamic has plagued the industry for decades. Unfortunately, it has been normalized due to the victims’ fears of retaliation in case said incidents are reported.
Film Industry Sexual Assault in the USA
A survey conducted by USA Today, National Sexual Violence Resource Center, The Creative Coalition, and Women in Film and Television showed that 94% of women in the entertainment industry have experienced harassment or assault. The survey involved 843 respondents whose occupation was among the following: editors, writers, actors, producers, directors, and others. Even worse, 21% of the respondents said they were coerced to do something sexual.
According to the survey, the respondents’ sexual misconduct experiences fell under nine types:
- 87% – Unwelcomed sexual jokes, comments, or gestures;
- 75% – Seeing others experience unwanted forms of sexual remarks;
- 69% – Inappropriate sexual touching;
- 65% – Noticing others advance their position due to sexual relations with managers/employers;
- 64% – Propositioned with sexual activities or relationship;
- 39% – Shown sexual images without consent;
- 29% – Flashing;
- 21% – Coerced to do a sexual act; and
- 10% – Unexpectedly ordered to appear naked for an audition.
While the Me Too movement in the film industry primarily highlighted the plight of women, men have also come out with their stories. Among them are Terry Crews, Anthony Rapp, and Brendan Fraser. Several male models have also spoken about the sexual misconducts of photographers Bruce Weber and Mario Testino.
What Constitutes as Sexual Assault in the Film Industry
Powerful figures have long exploited their positions. In the film industry, especially, these people have predated among men and women taking advantage of the power dynamics at play. Most victims of sexual harassment and assault never report for fear of backlash.
In the State of Illinois, criminal sexual assault occurs when the perpetrator uses force or threatens to use force against the victim or knows the victim can’t understand the nature of the acts and give knowing consent. It becomes aggravated criminal sexual assault when the perpetrator uses a weapon or death threats.
Ways to Protect Yourself from Sexual Assault
Abusers don’t always reveal themselves at first sight. Sometimes they look safe and even reputable. And while predators are to blame for instances of abuse, knowing ways to protect yourself may help you in case you find yourself in a risky position.
- Know your rights and understand sexual harassment and sexual assault. As opposed to sexual assault, sexual harassment in the workplace happens when unwanted sexual advances are made. It can happen physically (touching, grabbing, hand gestures, forced contact) or verbally (using sexist comments, catcalling, or asking for sexual favors). The Illinois Human Rights Act states that all workers are “have the right to employment free from sexual harassment or unlawful discrimination.”
- Set your boundaries. Identifying your boundaries may potentially help you swiftly detect uncomfortable situations and respond to them.
- Know signs of sexually inappropriate behavior. The victim is always the end receiver of the misdeeds; whether those are jokes or “light” touching, if it is cultivating a hostile workplace environment, it may be considered harassment.
- Object. Let the harasser know that you’re uncomfortable and that the advances are unwelcomed. If you don’t speak out, your abuser may construe this as a yes.
What to do if You Have Been Sexually Assaulted or Harassed in the Film Industry
While nobody wishes for such events to happen, it’s always better to be equipped with how-tos in case of an emergency.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted:
- Go to a safe place.
- Contact someone you trust.
- Contact a rape crisis hotline in Illinois.
- Visit your local Emergency Department for possible injuries.
- Submit to a medical examination to collect evidence (also known as a rape kit).
- Contact the police to report the assault.
- Contact a lawyer and know your legal options.
- Contact or go to the Human Resource Department, if applicable, and report the incident. Workplaces are required to have sexual harassment policies; or
- Contact the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) and report the incident. The IDHR is responsible for handling sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace.
- Call a lawyer. If you have been sexually harassed or assaulted, know that you have the right to obtain a lawyer. A legal counsel will help you know your rights and determine if there are legal grounds to file for a lawsuit.
Our attorneys at America’s Consumer Lawyer are dedicated to bringing perpetrators accountable, be it high profile executives or giant agencies. We work hard in maintaining an understanding and safe space where clients can divulge intimate information in full privacy. We understand your plight and we’re here to help. All you need is reach out.
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