It is time to end the culture of silence
2 min read
We cannot end the culture of abuse until we end the culture of silence that protects it.
We’ve seen headline after headline of famous and powerful men who are accused of harassing and abusing women and then attempting to silence those who speak out.
And we know this is still happening today. Our ongoing Women in Comedy inquiry has heard that incidents of serious sexual assault, harassment and unsolicited sexual pictures remain a continuing concern.
After the Women and Equalities Committee called on the government to take steps to prevent victims from being silenced, we were pleased to see a ban on the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to silence victims of abuse, alongside the introduction of stronger workplace protections against third-party harassment.
But these protections are only for employees. And it is clear from recent news that that is not sufficient.
That’s why, as Women and Equalities Chair, I am calling on the government to do three things.
First, extend the ban on misuse of NDAs to apply to everyone – not just employees. Freelancers, volunteers, and fans all deserve the same protections.
Second, extend other workplace protections against harassment, including third-party harassment, to everyone in the workplace – not just employees.
Third, we need to end the culture of silence.
Not only do these men seek to hide behind NDAs and injunctions, but they also rely on a culture of people looking the other way or feeling unable to speak out.
The independent regulator for the creative industries, the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA), has a vital role in changing that culture. It now has the powers to be the official whistleblowing body for the creative industries, and has launched an independent online reporting service.
But government must have its back, and give CIISA the power it is calling for to ensure sustainable funding.
Shocking reports in today’s papers are not isolated scandals. The work of the Women and Equalities Committee and campaigners shows this behaviour is sadly endemic.
We must do everything we can to challenge the pervasive culture of silence and protect people who wish to speak out.
The government has started the job. It’s time to finish it.
Olivia Bailey is the Labour MP for Reading West and Mid Berkshire and Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee
