Creating Safe Spaces in European Cinema
Creating Safe Spaces in European Cinema
Sexual Harassment, Abuse and Bullying Policy
Sexual Harassment, Abuse and Bullying Policy
The European Film Academy is committed to fostering a film industry where everyone can thrive creatively in environments free from sexual harassment, abuse, bullying, and discrimination. We believe that great cinema emerges when all professionals feel safe, respected, and valued.
Our Zero Tolerance Commitment
We have zero tolerance for any form of sexual harassment, abuse, bullying, discrimination, or victimisation within our organisation and activities. This commitment extends to all staff, board members, jury participants, event attendees, and anyone connected to European Film Academy activities across Europe.
What We Address
Our comprehensive policy covers:
- Sexual harassment: Unwanted conduct of a sexual nature, including verbal comments, physical contact, digital harassment, and creating hostile environments
- Abuse: Psychological, professional, financial, and digital abuse that exploits power imbalances and causes harm
- Bullying: Repeated unreasonable behaviour that creates risks to health and safety, including direct aggression, undermining, and social isolation
- Victimisation: Retaliation against those who report inappropriate behaviour or support others in doing so
Who Is Protected
This policy protects everyone in our community:
- European Film Academy staff, board members, and committee
- Participants of the Academy Knowledge Sharing programmes
- Event speakers, panelists, and attendees
- Industry professionals at our activities
- Volunteers and interns
The policy applies to all European Film Academy activities, whether in-person or virtual, during work hours or at industry events, and includes travel and accommodation arrangements.
How to Report and Get Support
If you experience or witness inappropriate behaviour:
- Immediate safety: Remove yourself from unsafe situations and seek help
- Document: Record details of incidents including dates, witnesses, and what happened
- Report: Use our confidential reporting channels
- Seek support: Access counselling, legal advice, and professional support services
We provide multiple reporting options including anonymous channels and work with Europeanlevel support organizations, national helplines, and industry-specific services. Our Response
We take all reports seriously with:
- Acknowledgment within 24 hours
- Thorough, impartial investigations
- Appropriate disciplinary action when inappropriate behaviour is confirmed
- Support for all parties involved
- Protection against retaliation
Consequences range from formal warnings and mandatory training to termination of employment or exclusion from European Film Academy activities, depending on the severity of the behaviour.
Prevention Through Education
We invest in creating positive workplace cultures through:
- Mandatory training for all staff and participants
- Cultural competency education for international teams
- Bystander intervention training
- Regular policy updates and awareness campaigns
- Clear behavioural expectations at all events
Everyone’s Responsibility
Creating safe, inclusive environments is everyone’s responsibility. We all have a role in:
- Challenging inappropriate behaviour when we see it
- Supporting colleagues who experience harassment, abuse, or bullying
- Promoting inclusive practices in our daily work
- Refusing to participate in or enable harmful conduct
Taking Action
If you’re experiencing or witnessing inappropriate behaviour, don’t wait – speak up. You have the right to work in an environment free from harassment, abuse, and bullying, and we’re here to support you.
This policy is reviewed annually and updated based on feedback from our community and changes in European legislation. Together, we’re building a film industry where everyone can contribute their best work to safety and dignity.