Campaigns

Sexual Harassment – Further Support

If you are being harassed, you deserve support. There are people who will listen and can provide advice.  

Consider speaking to a trusted friend, colleague or family member about what you are experiencing or contact any of the sources listed below to get the support you need.

Emotional Support/Advice & Community Spaces  

 

Theatre Helpline.org (24hr) 

Tel: 0800 915 4617
advice@theatrehelpline.org 

The Theatre Helpline is a free, independent and confidential phone and email service that provides support to people working in the theatre industry. Please note this support is provided by a generic service who will likely not have theatre-specific knowledge.  

 

Rape Crisis Scotland Helpline 

Tel: 08088 01 03 02 
Text: 07537 410 027
support@rapecrisisscotland.org.uk 

The helpline operates 5pm–midnight and is free to call.  

Emotional support for survivors (all genders) of any form of sexual violence including sexual harassment.  

Friends and colleagues worried about someone can also use the helpline.  

Support available via text and e-mail too.  

 

Persistent & Nasty

Persistent and Nasty runs regular coffee mornings which provide a safe space for freelancers to engage in these conversations, seek peer support and feel supported by their community. 

The coffee mornings are currently paused, but if you’re looking for this type of support please get in touch with Elaine or Louise at persistentandnasty@gmail.com  

 Keep an eye on the P&N socials for announcements regarding the coffee mornings.  

 

Unions 

Equity offers 6 free counselling sessions to members through the British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM)

Information, Legal Advice and Guidance 

 

Scottish Women’s Rights Centre

Helpline: 08088 010 789  (opening times vary)
Women can use the helpline.   

Read their guide: Information and Support for anyone experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace.
All genders might find the guide useful.  

 

Unions 

Members – contact your local rep for support.   

Non-members can:  

 

Guardian Scheme  

The Old Vic founded the Guardian scheme, which trains staff members in an organisation to listen and give neutral support on issues, and where relevant to advise on which processes and staff may assist.  

Scottish companies currently offering this to employees and freelancers employed by them: National Theatre of Scotland 

 

Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC)

Read the Sexual harassment and harassment at work: Technical guide.

It helps workers understand the law and how their employer should respond to their complaint.  

 

Federation of Scottish Theatre (FST)

FST has collected resources on its Combatting Abuse page.  

 

Valla

A new online platform helping individuals resolve grievance and employment issues. They provide a variety of free and paid for resources to help individuals fight discrimination at work.

Specialised support for people of colour 

 

Amina (Muslim Women’s Resource Centre)

Amina can offer a culturally-sensitive listening ear through their helpline and have an excellent self-care resource.  

 

Ask Colleen (Speak Out Revolution)

Colleen volunteers her time for Speak Out Revolution. She provides a listening ear for those struggling in a toxic workplace and unsure what to do next. She can be contacted via an on-line form.  

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Sexual Harassment in the Performing Arts