We need more people in Aussie advertising to come forward over sexual abuses

Rosie Baker
By Rosie Baker | 30 November 2017
 

Don Burke is just the first scalp in Australian media and entertainment in what is now a global scandal enveloping almost every industry.

It started off in Hollywood with Harvey Weinstein, but over the past two months it has cycled through the entertainment world, politics, the charity sector and beyond.

Every industry around the world is looking at this. It’s not a quick process, and it won’t be a rushed story. It’s one that deserves to be told, but it takes courage and bravery to come forward. Many already have, but I need more. There is strength in numbers and building a case. I want women and men to come forward and talk about their experiences, or what they’ve witnessed.

AdNews, along with AdAge in the US and Campaign in the UK, is investigating. 

Everyone has heard the rumours and the stories, but people must be held to account for their actions. It’s not OK to shrug it off any more and abdicate responsibility.

We need to make a statement in our industry that we won’t stand for it any longer. We deserve an industry where the best minds and the best people can flourish without a seedy undertone of power dynamics and fear

I’ve had some tough, confidential, conversations over the past few weeks with people grappling with past experiences, but I need more people to come forward, to confidentially name names and share their story. You won't be alone, and you will be heard in confidence. 

Every conversation has been in complete confidence. Whatever your story, or how big or small you think it is, I want to hear it. You can find my contact details here and call me, or email me at rosiebaker@yaffa.com.au.

If you don’t want to talk to the media directly, I’d urge you to contact Cindy Gallop who is driving the agenda globally, and will have some advice. Her email address is cindy@ifwerantheworld.com.

There is also a  group of people in Australia, who I can't reveal but can vouch for their trustworthyness, who have set up a confidential email address for people to send their experiencess, or information and get some advice. Please feel free to contact them and tap into the strength in numbers. confidentiality2017@gmail.com

I’m also looking for support from legal professionals that can offer pro-bono advice to anyone that does come forward but has concerns over any legalities of what they can talk about. Please get in touch to support this important issue.

Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop me a line at rosiebaker@yaffa.com.au

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