Throughout our history, The Actors Fund has always responded quickly to the emerging needs of our clients and conditions that impact our community. In the past year, the anti-sexual harassment and assault movements #MeToo and Time’s Up have brought issues of sexual harassment to the forefront of the performing arts and entertainment industry. In response, The Actors Fund led training sessions for over 25 unions, universities and performing arts organizations on how to address sexual harassment issues. Throughout 2018, The Actors Fund is holding additional sessions in New York City and traveling to more than ten cities—from Eugene, Oregon to Grand Rapids, Michigan—to provide support and training on sexual harassment to entertainment union members.
We have always provided supportive counseling to people who have been subjected to sexual harassment or assault and we have increased our outreach so that everyone in the industry knows that our confidential and free services are available to them. We are actively building awareness for our services that include confidential crisis counseling and short-term supportive counseling, education on individual rights and legal avenues, referrals to related resources and, when needed, referrals for other clinical services.
As an organization, the well-being of those we serve is paramount, and we strive to uphold our high standard of care and assistance for everyone in need. We encourage anyone facing these difficulties to contact The Actors Fund at the regional office nearest them by visiting actorsfund.org/Assistance.