The L.A. Local Sexual Harassment Prevention Committee, established in 2019, focuses on prevention, education, awareness and community-building support in Los Angeles.
Committee Efforts
Since its inception, the L.A. Local Sexual Harassment Prevention Committee has accomplished a lot. The purpose of the local committee is to advocate for better protections, bring awareness, and engage with SAG-AFTRA members of the LA Local. The local committee also provides advisory recommendations to the National Sexual Harassment Prevention Committee, which oversees the prioritization and coordination of education and related activities nationwide.
Co-Vice Chair Caitlin Dulany shared that, “Keeping our members informed and advocating for safe workplaces has been our mission since we were formed. Supporting the introduction of intimacy coordinators on our sets and in our contracts with the National Board and national committee has been one of the most rewarding achievements of our committee. We look forward to continuing our journey together and hope to see and hear from our members at upcoming L.A. Local events, Los Angeles member orientations, and future [wages and working conditions meetings]!”
Some of the areas reviewed by the committee are briefly explained below:
1. Child Protections:
- Advocating for consistent nationwide laws to safeguard minors from exploitation and harm in the entertainment industry, resulting in the establishment of a National Child Protection Task Force.
2. Education, Engagement and Events:
- Organizing impactful events and fostering dialogue on key industry topics to promote awareness among members.
Recommending ideas for combining information on SHP resources for easy member access and streamlining information dissemination.
3. Recommends Performer Protections:
- Shining a spotlight on the unique challenges faced by stand-ins and background actors, stunt performers and dancers that affect their rights and safety on set.
4. Mental Health Support :
- Promoting mental health awareness and support for members within the L.A. Local, providing resources and training to address mental health challenges.
5. Contracts Improvements/Wages & Working Conditions:
- Monitoring contract developments and proposing improvements to ensure fair working conditions for members, focusing on upcoming negotiations.
Achievements
The L.A. Local Sexual Harassment Prevention Committee also celebrates other achievements made in recent years. As a result of the efforts of this committee’s recommendations and working in solidarity with the national committee, legislative initiatives at the state and federal level that have been supported by the union, protections have been established to safeguard participants in virtual meetings by creating a code of conduct. In addition, the SAG-AFTRA constitution was amended to extend the statute of limitations on member-to-member sexual harassment complaints from six months to 10 years, and a sexual harassment caucus is now the standard in the development of proposals for contract negotiations.
Future Events
According to Co-Vice Chair Sarah Scott, ”Since the inception of this committee, the entertainment industry has endured unprecedented times. Looking back, it’s clear in working with the national committee we’ve stayed focused on our mission and been vigilant about eradicating sexual harassment on all levels and improving our overall workspaces. I’m also very excited to say we’re finally getting a number of powerful events and educational workshops for the L.A. Local on the calendar this year … so keep a lookout!”
Make sure to stay up to date through emails, social media and the SAG-AFTRA L.A. website so you don’t miss out!
Resources
If you are looking for support, here are some additional resources on matters related to sexual harassment:
Please visit SAG-AFTRA Safe Place for more information on sexual harassment in the entertainment and media industry and to learn about your reporting options.
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