RED FLAGS
AWARENESS IS KEY. TAKE STEPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND KNOW THE SIGNS OF AN OFFENDER
Red Flags are not proof of someone being a harmful individual, however, they are signs that you should stick to the protocol as closely as possible so you will not be harmed. Protocols can help protect ourselves from abusive individuals--so here are some behaviors to be aware of.
RED FLAGS
Flirting, touching and general unprofessionalism are all red flags 🚩🚩🚩
Modeling nude or in sexually suggestive poses is not an invitation for sexual advances.
Asking you if it's okay to touch you while reaching for you is not a question, it's a suggestion 🚩
Insinuation of consent is not consent. For example: crossing a physical boundary while making a joke, or explaining their justification for it does not make it okay, it just makes it harder for you to clearly say no 🚩
It's okay to have sparks with other creative people. Table the feelings until after the shoot is over, and make a clear distinction between your professional work environment and your personal choices. Be proactive about boundaries.
Photographers using prestige and power to gain access to young women and coerce them into nude modelling and physical relations on set is an abuse of power 🚩
WHAT IS GROOMING?
Read this incredibly thorough article on Adult Grooming.
“Grooming works by mixing positive behaviours with elements of abuse. In the beginning, behaviours are positive. Slowly, harsh elements are added in amounts that surprise the survivor but do not push the alarm to a high level. Over time the inappropriate come to feel normal.” --Michael Samsel
The 6 Main Stages to Adult Grooming
Targeting the victim
Gaining the victim’s trust
Filling a need
Isolating the victim
Sexualizing the relationship
Maintaining control
Predators work in the shadows and have something to hide.
· Predators claim to feel a “special connection” with their targets, even if they’ve only just met.
· Predators recruit co-conspirators (forced teaming) to fight their battles and do their bidding.
· Predators draw their victims in by sharing private information then swearing them to secrecy.
· Predators practice divide and conquer techniques to manipulate others.