Sexual harassment is quite prevalent in the entertainment industry. This article outlines some important data and explains why sexual harassment is so common in the entertainment industry.
Statistics and Important Info
The Anita Hill-led Hollywood Commission’s survey on sexual harassment found that one in five women reported that they had been sexually assaulted over the course of their careers. One in twenty said they had been sexually assaulted in the past twelve months. Of the 5,399 women that took the survey, 5% said they had been sexually assaulted 20% said they were sexually coerced, and 42% said they were subjected to unwanted sexual attention in the past year. Men are also victims of sexual assault in the entertainment industry but at rates half that of women.
Most common forms of harassment
- The most common forms of sexual harassment were insults, comments, and remarks based on the targetted individual’s gender.
- These comments were often followed by unwanted sexual attention in the form of consistently asking the targeted individual on a date, to go out for drinks, for their number, etc. As the frequency of comments and requests increased, sexual coercion followed. Promotions or preferred treatment were offered to those who were sexually cooperative.
- Sexual assault was the least frequent, occurring among 8% of the survey respondents.
Individuals who face the most harassment
- The majority of victims tended to be younger in the age range of 24 to 39.
- People with disabilities reported similar rates of gender harassment, but higher rates of unwanted sexual attention and sexual coercion. They faced a 12% increase in both unwanted sexual attention and sexual coercion. People with disabilities faced a rate of sexual assault that was twice that of individuals without a disability.
Related: How to Report Sexual Assault in California
Why is sexual harassment so prevalent in the entertainment industry?
- The entertainment industry is very relationship-driven
- Individuals in positions of high influence/power in the entertainment industry often use their resources to manipulate many aspiring actors into sexual acts they would not normally commit.
- Fear of reporting
- Reporting the assault could mean the end of an actor/actress’s career, so many victims decide to stay quiet.
- Many women don’t consider what happened to them to be sexual harassment, even though it would legally be considered sexual harassment
- One-third of women did not think that their experience was a case of sexual harassment.
Related: Sexual Assault in the Music Industry
FAQS
How do I know if I was sexually harassed in the entertainment industry?
Any sexual comment, action, behavior, coercion that made you uncomfortable and that you did not consent to would be sexual harassment.
Related: Am I Being Sexually Harassed at Work? Take the Quiz
How can I deal with the trauma caused by my harasser?
Organizations such as RAINN and Her Lawyer can be useful resources.
Related: Resources for Sexual Assault Victims in California
Contact Her Lawyer
If you or a loved one has experienced sexual harassment in the entertainment industry, get your free consultation with one of our California Workplace Sexual Harassment Attorneys today!