Association for Electronic Music launches Code of Conduct against sexual harassment & gender discrimination

12 November 2020 - Press release

DOWNLOAD CODE OF CONDUCT HERE

 

A powerful response from the industry for the industry, this Code of Conduct is launched with support from AFEM membership of over 220 companies, including SheSaid.So and ADE quoting their endorsement, and media partners Mixmag, DJ Mag, RA, Beatportal, Attack Magazine to help prevent sexual harassment and gender / gender identity discrimination within the electronic music industry.

AFEM recognises that much of the electronic music industry is made up of small to medium sized businesses and operators who may not have HR departments or specific policies and documentation to refer to on the subject sexual harassment. This Code of Conduct begins the process of setting professional standards within electronic music for our members and wider industry to adopt.

Stat: 2019 survey by InChorus & SheSaid.So to shine a light on bias, harassment and microaggressions within the music industry, found 7 5% of all microaggressions logged related to Gender, 8 % referred to Age, 8% referred to Ethnicity, and 6% referred to Sexuality.

“We want to bring about an electronic music culture where everyone involved feels safe, respected and free from sexual harassment and risk of assault, to ensure safe environments for fans and professionals and to advocate for a culture of support for victims of harassment and assault to ensure they are encouraged to come forward and feel they will be supported when they do.”
Greg Marshall, General Manager AFEM

"The CoC developed by AFEM is absolutely necessary. Our hope is that this document will dissipate any uncertainties in regards to the type of behavior that should be encouraged or, conversely, penalized. For women and other gender minorities these lines are clearly distinct, although we understand the nuanced scenarios in which they take place and the necessary education required to reinforce them. I welcome the CoC as a firm guideline that formalizes the do's and don'ts of gender-based interaction in the electronic music workplace - whether that's online, in the office, the studio or on the dancefloor"
Andreea Magdalina, Founder of SheSaid.So

Developed by the AFEM Diversity & Inclusion Working Group over many months, through the launch of our code, we hope to enable the industy to identify and correct the mechanisms and attitudes within electronic music culture which enable and facilitate perpetrators of sexual harassment and abuse to go unchallenged and unreported.

“I feel I grew up in the electronic music industry. From a very young age, I have found a home there; on the dancefloor and in the music industry. But despite my love for music, I would not wish any female industry professional or fan to experience what I have experienced throughout the years as a clubber and as someone who works in music. Our industry and culture needs to change completely, in order for womxn to feel safe to party and work in music. The Code of Conduct is an essential first step towards that change and everyone that works in music should not only honour, but live by a Code.”
Sarah Hildering - AFEM Diversity & Inclusion Group Co-Chair and Co-Author of the Code of Conduct:

“As a straight white cis gendered man who has spent 30 years loving and enveloped by music created largely by the Black American LGBTQ community, it is my responsibility to listen to and stand up for others without my privledge. Having witnessed a lot of wrong doing over that time and having spent the last two years listening to a lot of people who need to be heard, I am honored to have co-authored this document with Sarah Hildering and other members at AFEM. I hope each and every member of our community will take this opportunity to rid our scene and industry of all gendered and sexual orientation discrimination and abuse.”
Matthew Adell - Co-Author of the Code of Conduct commented:

The numerous profile cases of sexual harassment and assault being reported in the media within our industry this year, and the recently launched MeToo #ForTheMusic campaign, clearly points to the need for education and action in this area.

 "ForTheMusic campaign and the MeToo Movement within electronic dance music 10000% back the Code of Conduct, 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, 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.”
Rebekah, DJ Artist and creator of #ForTheMusic anti-sexual harassment campaign

“Amsterdam Dance Event is happy to provide our platform again for the AFEM Code of Conduct Against Sexual Harassment and Gender Discrimination, which should contribute to the positive pulse in our industry in regards to equality. We are still not there yet, as the research shows, but together we can change the music industry for the better.”
Karsten ter Hoeven, Head of Conference ADE

When harassment or discrimination is observed we must intervene to STOP the conduct when we can, SUPPORT those who speak up, and REPORT the conduct in accordance with the wishes of the victim. Stop. Support. Report.

YOUR SUPPORT: Please endorse, adopt and share this Code of Conduct if you and your business are in support of the objective of preventing sexual harassment and discrimination within the electronic music industry through awareness, education and by creating an environment where such behavior is not tolerated.

Additional Info: Confidential Sexual Harassment Support Service for the Electronic Music Industry.
AFEM sponsor a confidential support service for anyone affected by sexual harassment within the Electronic Music Industry.

Health Assured provide the service to ensure confidential expert counselling. A safe and supportive environment for anyone who has been affected and needs guidance and support.

Call 0800 030 5182 // Outside the UK: +44 800 030 5182 - where trained experts will listen and support.
(Please state AFEM when calling)