ACTRA and the Directors Guild of Canada (DGC) are jointly launching a helpline where members can report workplace and on set harassment and seek support.
Set to launch June 1, the HAVEN (Harassment and Violence Emergency Network) Helpline, will serve as a 24/7 bilingual critical incident reporting line for ACTRA and DGC members, staffed by human resource company Morneau Shepell. Members will also be able to seek confidential counselling services, and well-being support by phone, web chat and online through the Morneau Shepell LifeWorks app.
“Over the past 18 months, it has become clear a cultural shift within our industry is needed to prevent and reduce harassment. ACTRA has remained dedicated in our commitment to address this issue,” said ACTRA National President David Sparrow. “We hope the launch of the HAVEN Helpline will ensure our members have access to available support resources 24/7 if they experience or witness an incident of harassment in the workplace.”
“We owe it to the courageous individuals who’ve exposed the truth about harassment and misconduct in our industry to have their backs. These resources are a major step forward helping us do just that,” said Tim Southam, President, DGC.
The launch of the helpline follows both organizations signing the Canadian Creative Industries Code of Conduct in March 2018 – a commitment to address harassment within the film and television industry.
The new helpline will be jointly funded by ACTRA and the DGC with additional financial support from the ACTRA Fraternal Benefit Society (AFBS) and Telefilm Canada.
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