Workplace guides address sexual harassment in theatre

Two "vital" and "long-needed" guides addressing sexual harassment in the performing arts have been launched as part of efforts to support organisations and individuals working in the sector.

Published by the Federation of Scottish Theatre, the guides have been informed by the Harassment in the Performing Arts (HiPA) Working Group, an independent working group convened by the federation.

The first guide, Navigating Sexual Harassment at Work: A Guide to Support Freelancers and Individuals, hopes to help those experiencing or witnessing sexual harassment in the workplace.

The second, Tackling Sexual Harassment at Work: An Action Guide for Theatre Companies and Arts Organisations, aims to support organisations in their response to complaints of sexual harassment.

The guides' author Lisa Sangster, who was also co-chair of the HiPA working group and is a trained sexual violence support worker, said: "The new HiPA guides are an important contribution towards supporting a culture change in the sector.

"They aim to empower individuals to take action when they witness harassment, and support people experiencing it to feel reassured that they have options and deserve support."

She added: "Having resources that are easy to read, jargon free and open to all is critical in improving responses to incidents of sexual harassment.”