Right on time for the start of sexual assault awareness month Dark Harbor Stories and Milk present #ThatsHarassment launched by David Schwimmer and Sigal Avin.
About two years ago Cosmopolitan published a survey which found that one out of three women between the ages of 18-34 have been sexually harassed at work at some point in their lives.
Harassment is still present in all industries and all departments. In many cases it sneaks its way into a conversation in the office or a comment made in the canteen. Soon, the situation can become increasingly uncomfortable and difficult to bear.
Too often, it is the women and men who face sexual harassment who question their own behavior, wondering if they are 'overreacting a little'. Society has created a stigma around sexual harassment and abuse over decades and centuries. It's time to stop that once and for all.
Sigal Avin created, wrote and directed a series of short films in Israel, that depict instances of sexual harassment under the title #ThatsHarassment. She shared it with her friend David Schwimmer who was very inspired by the concept and message of this project. He decided to create an American version of the series and took a bunch of well known actors on board.
Right on time for Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Dark Harbor Stories and Milk presented #ThatsHarassment:
This new campaign based on real experiences helps you recognize sexual harassment: https://t.co/8ZiU5mqWNH #ThatsHarassment pic.twitter.com/MhxEsAWFzi
— Cosmopolitan (@Cosmopolitan) 3. April 2017
The series includes six short films based on real experiences in an attempt to shut down any confusion about what sexual harassment really is. They illustrate various environments in which harassment occurs.
#ThatsHarassment at a lawyer's office starring Friends star David Schwimmer and actress Zazie Beetz:
Feel super uncomfortable watching it? So did the victims who had to experience it first hand. And that is what this whole thing is about. Putting yourself in their shoes to understand what it means to be sexually harassed.
People are applauding David Schwimmer for pointing out this major issue. Him, as a well-known American actor using his voice to address a topic that particularly concerns women is highly appreciated.
@DavidSchwimmer These hit me to the core of my core.Thank God for you!Most significant videos ever! So accurate.Pain to purpose.Thank u.
— Jana Anderson (@janaanderson1) 5. April 2017
@DavidSchwimmer Thank you - excellent work. So sad this still exists in the workplace.
— Chris Bettinger (@ChrisBettinger1) 4. April 2017
@DavidSchwimmer
— Michelle 🦋 (@Michellekuiper4) 4. April 2017
Thank you for putting a microscope on an issue that is so prevalent.#ThatsHarassment
But there are critical opinions on social media as well. Some people were angry about the fact, that the women in the videos aren't calling the men out for harassing them.
@DavidSchwimmer They're playing the role society has given them. It would be good to see them actively challenging that role + the harrassment.
— Lucy Molloy (@lucyabmolloy) 5. April 2017
The short films try to reflect the truth. It's a sad fact that most women don't report sexual harassment, because they're too embarrassed or afraid about the consequences to speak out. That has to change. Now!
#ThatsHarassment at the doctor's starring Sex and the City star Cynthia Nixon and actor Michael Kelly:
It's worrying how a place, where you are supposed to feel safe and well cared for, can turn into a situation you want to run far away from.
Grace Gummer told Cosmopolitan that she had a weird doctor's experience a while ago too. Halfway through the consultation the doctor told her that she was "cute" and gave her a hug.
Even though she didn't felt harassed, it felt totally inappropriate to her. She later went on to ask her brother and boyfriend if it would be weird if something like that happened to them.
Their response:
“What are you talking about, that never happens."
Unfortunately, it does!
#ThatsHarassment at a politician’s offices starring Shameless star and singer-songwriter Emmy Rossum and actor Harry Lennix:
Nobody should be forced to choose between doing their job and feeling safe.
If you’ve experienced sexual harassment yourself, click here to learn what you can do about it. It's your right to be protected at work. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
