How widespread is sexual harassment in comedy?
Comedians and others who work in live comedy are being asked to take part in a survey on sexual harassment in the industry.
A report on the issue is being compiled by Sunderland University researchers fror Get Off Live Comedy, a new initiative to make the circuit safer via an independent and confidential Human Resource service
Kiri Pritchard-McLean, one of the comedians behind the drive, has said: ‘Tackling sexual harassment seems like a Herculean task and it is, but we’ve been heartened by how passionate and committed everyone we’ve spoken to in live comedy is to ending it.’
The survey aims to quantify the scale of the problem, with Get Off! saying: ‘Up to now we’ve been reliant on whisper networks and personal judgment, these are not fair or reliable, we think a formalised independent body is lacking.
‘Sexual harassment is a problem within every environment but we’re confident there are enough people working in comedy that want our workplace to be safe and happy that we can make real industry and cultural changes to ensure harassment is no longer an accepted "occupational hazard".
‘In order to hold ourselves to account we want to conduct the first ever survey of the live comedy industry in relation to sexual harassment. This will allow us to dedicate resources to where they are most needed and to assess the scope of the problem.’
The questionnaire, which takes around 15 minutes, is for everyone who works, or has worked, in the industry. And comes with a trigger warning for survivors.
Researchers advise participants: ‘It is often hard to identify when you’ve been a victim of sexual harassment so if in doubt, ask yourself "if a friend told me this had happened to them, would I believe they had been assaulted/harassed?" If the answer would be yes, please treat your experience with the same validity you would as a friend. ‘
The survey can be completed here.
• Get Off! Live Comedy is staging its second fundraising gig at Manchester’s Frog & Bucket on Tuesday. The line-up includes Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Nina Gilligan, Rachel Fairburn, Daliso Chaponda, Stephen Bailey, Bethany Black & Erika Ehler. Tickets.
Published: 18 Nov 2021