The Association for Electronic Music, or AFEM, has today launched a Code of Conduct to help combat sexual harassment and discrimination within the industry.
The newly-launched AFEM Code of Conduct has support from over 220 companies, including SheSaid.So, Amsterdam Dance Event, and media partners like Mixmag, DJ Mag, RA, Attack Magazine, and Beatportal.
According to the official announcement from AFEM, which can be viewed as a PDF here, “The AFEM Code of Conduct begins the process of setting professional standards within the industry for our members and industry to adopt.” AFEM hopes the code will help create a professional working environment where, “through awareness, education, increased respect, protection and prevention,” sexual harassment and discrimination are no longer tolerated.
AFEM notes that the Code of Conduct will work in tandem with any local laws, and they encourage anyone witnessing harassment or discrimination intervene when possible before reporting the situation to proper authorities within their organizations, as well as local authorities.
AFEM have provided a simple reminder: #StopSupportReport
This announcement comes during a year in which sexual harassment in dance music again made headlines. Rebekah, who launched her own anti-harassment and discrimination campaign, #ForTheMusic, backs the Code of Conduct, saying in a statement that “as a global industry, we have to be self regulatory, and this is a giant step to implement and tackle the abhorrent amount of sexual harassment that happens in our workplaces and dance floors.
“The Stop Support Report goal of the code is a great and simple way to do this,” Rebekah continued. “So many times we see harassment go unreported in fear of retribution or the fact that the powers that be will choose to not believe the accusations, ultimately protecting the perpetrator until they end up assaulting more and more people. This way we can choose to support the victims first, flipping the switch on the such discrimination.”
For anyone affected by affected by sexual harassment within the electronic music industry, AFEM sponsor a confidential support service. Call 0800 030 5182, or if outside the UK, dial +44 800 030 5182. Trained experts will listen and support.
