(Trigger Warning: Sexual assault, rape, harassment)
The BECTU Post Production & Facilities Branch Committee and the Rough Assembly wish to formally and publicly voice our support of Holly Bourdillon and Laura Johnston for bravely speaking out about the assaults which were committed by Chris Croucher, an Executive Producer, whilst they were working in a post production facility.
Sexual violence (including rape, harassment and assault) is a grave violation of human rights and has a profound impact on victim’s lives, including their physical and mental health. We stand beside all survivors and recognise the huge amount of courage it takes to come forward and speak about abuse.
We firmly condemn all abusive behaviours and encourage Post Production bodies to come together to enact change to eradicate all forms of abuse from within our cutting rooms. Not only does abuse create unsafe environments for our colleagues, in particular for women, but its prevalence also discourages women from moving up into higher positions within our industry.
This case highlights that a culture of enablement exists in some areas of our industry that allow a broad spectrum of these toxic, abusive and criminal behaviours to go unchecked. As described in the Guardian article published on 21st June, Left Bank’s handling of the situation left Holly and Laura feeling even more vulnerable at a time when their wellbeing and mental health should have been the utmost priority, severely failing them and exacerbating the impact of the attacks. We whole-heartedly believe that it is the responsibility of production companies and their employees to foster and defend safe working environments for all employees and freelancers, and that those who come forward to report abuse should be taken extremely seriously and treated with the utmost respect and dignity. The onus is on companies and employers to ensure their protocol for dealing with such incidents is robust, particularly so as to ensure that those in power are not protected at the expense of those in lower grades or in more precarious working arrangements.
We have included resources for survivors of sexual abuse below and encourage everyone to share them widely. These resources will also be available permanently on The Rough Assembly’s website here: www.theroughassembly.com/sexual-abuse.
As colleagues, we have the ability to make our cutting rooms a space where our peers can feel safe, heard and supported at work. We encourage all of our colleagues - Post Production Managers, Editors, Assistants and others - to look out for inappropriate behaviour, and to check in on those in our teams, in particular those who are in lower grades such as Trainees and Runners.
Crucially, we may find ourselves in a position to support a colleague when they disclose sexual abuse, harassment or assault. Reacting sensitively and supportively is vital to diminish any shame or blame the survivor usually takes on after abuse. We recommend reading the following resource to better support our peers who have experienced sexual abuse:
RESOURCES FOR SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL ABUSE
IF YOU ARE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER, PLEASE PHONE 999 OR VISIT YOUR LOCAL A&E DEPARTMENT
NHS / Police - 999 (emergency) / 101 (non emergency)
Spot - allows documentation of incidents with optional reporting available
Film & TV Charity - 24/7 support line: 0800 054 0000
BECTU - The union’s guide to sexual harassment. Members can call 020 7346 0900 confidentially to speak to their union rep. BECTU is committed to eradicating all forms of bullying and harassment in the workplace and will assist any member who has experienced such.
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) - Support in finding a therapist
Into The Light - Counselling, courses and workshops
National Association for People Abused In Childhood (NAPAC) - Support to adult survivors and training for those who support them - 0808 801 0331 (10am - 9pm Mondays to Thursdays, 10am - 6pm Fridays)
PTSD UK - Raising awareness of post-traumatic stress disorder
Rape Crisis - Support and services for victims and survivors of sexual violence - 0808 802 9999 (12:00 - 14:30 and
19:00 - 21:30 every day)
Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASAC) - Support all male and female survivors of rape and sexual abuse in Surrey - 01483 546400 (Monday – Thursday evening from 7.30pm – 9.30pm)
Safeline - support for male survivors - 0808 800 5005 / Text: 07860 065187 (Monday 9am – 5pm, Tuesday 8am – 8pm, Wednesday 9am – 5pm, Thursday 8am – 8pm, Friday 9am – 5pm, Saturday 10am – 2pm)
Samaritans - 116 123 (24 hours)
Survivor’s Trust - support and empower survivors of rape, sexual violence and childhood sexual abuse - 0808 801 0818 (Monday - Friday 10am - 8:30pm. Saturday 10am - 12:30pm, 1:30pm - 4:30pm, 6pm - 8:30pm. Sunday 1:30pm - 4:30pm, 6pm - 8:30pm)
Survivors UK - support for male survivors of sexual abuse - Text: 0203 322 1860
Victim Support - supporting victims of crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales - 0808 168 9111 (24 hours)
HOW TO SUPPORT A SURVIVOR
As colleagues, we may find ourselves in a position to support a colleague when they disclose sexual abuse, harassment or assault. We recommend reading the following resource to better support our peers who have experienced sexual abuse:
https://www.thesurvivorstrust.org/how-to-support-a-survivor
Reacting sensitively and supportively is vital to diminish any shame or blame the survivor usually takes on after abuse. Encouraging words and phrases can avoid judgement and show support for the survivor. Consider the following phrases:
“I’m sorry this happened.”
“It’s not your fault.”
“I believe you.”
“You are not alone.”
“I am here for you.”
“Is there anything I can do to help you?”