Hello, Fringe friends!
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is a magical time of year, filled with laughter, creativity, and unforgettable performances. However, amidst the excitement, we must stay vigilant and ensure our beloved community remains a safe and inclusive space for everyone. As typically reports of sexual harassment into our HR inbox rise from five to fifteen cases per month, it’s more important than ever to know how to act if you witness inappropriate behaviour.
Your Role as a Bystander
Observing sexual harassment can be unsettling, but you have the power to make a difference. By intervening safely and effectively, you can help protect your fellow community members and promote a culture of respect.
Bystander Intervention: What You Can Do
There are five key steps you can take if you witness sexual harassment:
- Distract: Interrupt the situation without directly confronting the harasser. Ask for directions, start a conversation unrelated to the harassment, or create a distraction to defuse the situation.
- Delegate: If you don’t feel safe intervening directly, seek help from someone with authority, such as venue staff or security. Explain the situation and ask them to step in.
- Document: If safe to do so, record the incident with your phone. This can provide valuable evidence later. Ensure the victim knows you’re recording for their safety and offer the footage to them afterward.
- Delay: After the incident, check in with the victim. Ask if they’re okay and if they need any support. Your empathy and willingness to listen can make a significant difference.
- Direct: If you feel safe, directly address the harasser. Use a calm and firm tone to express that their behaviour is unacceptable. This can help stop the harassment and show support for the victim.
If you have experienced or observed sexual harassment and want advice on how to report, please contact us at hr@getofflivecomedy.co.uk.
Why It Matters
Sexual harassment not only affects the victim-survivor but also creates a toxic environment that undermines our entire community. By standing up and speaking out, you help to create a safer, more inclusive space where everyone can enjoy the festival without fear or intimidation.
But it’s not just about safety; it’s also about supporting an ethical and fair creative industry. Audiences increasingly care about the treatment of the people who make their favourite shows possible. Consuming media from events and venues where workers are treated fairly and kept safe aligns with values of fairness, respect, and responsibility. When audiences support ethically run shows, they help foster a culture of accountability and positive change within the industry.
For those seeking ethically sourced comedy, where their favourite stars are protected and respected, you can check if venues are members of Get Off Live Comedy on our website. This membership signifies a commitment to maintaining a safe environment for all performers and staff, ensuring that your entertainment is delivered in a way that upholds the highest standards of respect and dignity.
Your Next Steps
- Educate Yourself: Familiarise yourself with the resources available on [Get Off Live Comedy](https://getofflivecomedy.org).
- Stay Alert: Keep an eye out for inappropriate behaviour and be prepared to intervene if necessary.
- Spread the Word: Encourage your friends and colleagues to learn about bystander intervention, Get Off Live Comedy and the importance of supporting each other.
- Choose Ethically: Check venue membership on the Get Off Live Comedy website to ensure you’re supporting spaces committed to worker safety and respect.
The Edinburgh Fringe is a celebration of creativity and community. Let’s work together to ensure it remains a safe and welcoming space for everyone. Your actions as a bystander can make a significant impact.
Stay safe and enjoy the festival!
