Features
Sexual Harassment Helpline Launched For EDM Community
The Association for Electronic Music (AFEM) launched a helpline for anyone within the Electronic Music Industry affected by sexual harassment.
– Anja Schneider
DJ, producer, radio show host and label owner.
The announcement follows the launch of a mental health line by Help Musicians UK, which the AFEM supports.
The help line is provided by Health Assured, which describes itself as “a provider of innovative health and wellbeing solutions.” The service has been funded initially through contributions from DJ Mag and a small number of AFEM Members.
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.”
DJMag editor Carl Loben added: “There should be no place for sexual abuse or harassment in the music industry. For too long, predatory men in positions of power have got away with it.
“Setting up this confidential helpline for victims of sexual abuse in electronic music is an important first step during this watershed post-Weinstein moment for society, when the #metoo campaign has given many women the confidence to speak out. We all need to work together to end this abuse forever.”
The AFEM also plans to release a code of conduct for organizations to adopt “in order to aim to reach the highest standards of behavior.”
Commenting on AFEM’s new helpline, DJ, producer, radio show host and label owner Anja Schneider said: “While I’ve been lucky enough not to have had problems with sexual harassment throughout my career, I know the experiences of other females working in the music industry has been very different.”
Schneider claims “this behavior has become normalized over the years and needs to be called out at every opportunity. No form of sexual harassment or abuse is ever OK. We need to be vocal and stand as one – both women and men, to send the message this is not acceptable. And also very importantly ensure the guilty perpetrators are held responsible for their actions. The time to stand up is now.”
B Traits, also a DJ, producer, radio show host and label owner, added: “Without exception, every woman I know has either been the victim of sexual harassment or supported their closest friend through the aftermath. The most difficult thing to do is speak up and report it. If you are someone who has suffered from sexual harassment, I encourage you to call this safe and confidential helpline so that you can begin to heal and those who assault and harass can face the consequences of their actions.“
The news of AFEM’s new helpline follows a recent BBC documentary interviewing four women who came forward to speak about their personal experiences with sexual harassment within the music industry.