LOS ANGELES — APAC today said that it stands firmly on the side of survivors of sexual assault and violence within the adult performer community.
The group, known officially as the Adult Performer Advocacy Committee, said in a release today that it is “dedicated to improving workplace safety, dismantling behaviors that perpetuate violence against all performers and creating more professional work environments.”
“We acknowledge that too often stigma, shame, and systemic failures have hindered performers from speaking out about sexual harassment,” APAC said. “We aim to challenge the stigma, behaviors and complicity that compromise workplace safety, as well as develop a healthy, supportive community of performers.
"Adult film is a unique and challenging industry to navigate. Non-consent does not belong in our industry or any industry. The norm should not be that victims of harassment and assault feel silenced by the power dynamics and stigma that make the adult industry difficult to navigate.
The group said that it will take the efforts of the entire adult entertainment community to evolve to better protect its workers against non-consent, pressure, coercion, assault and violence.
“To dismantle the societal stigma that hurts those who are marginalized and vulnerable, it will take effort from directors, producers, agents, production members, performers and civilian allies,” the group said.
APAC said it stand with the Free Speech Coalition in that “no one waives their right to consent just because they’ve worked in adult film, or have appeared naked, or are eager to book a shoot, or have contracted to do a film, or had sex with someone previously, or work in a sex-related industry. To assume otherwise is not only wrong, it’s criminal.”
The FSC earlier in the week issued a similar release, available here, to today’s APAC announcement.
“Directors, photographers, producers, and all production members are expected to uphold the same level of professionalism outlined in the [APAC’s] Performer Code of Conduct. The [APAC] Model Bill of Rights provides a base standard of boundary guidelines for maintaining a safe and comfortable work experience on set.
“Any production company unfamiliar with the contents of either is encouraged to visit the APAC website and review these documents, and to assure all directors, photographers, and performers they hire are familiar with these guidelines as well.
“In the adult film industry, we’ve seen what the mobilization of our community can bring in the political arena. We need to shift away from complicity, rationalizations, and silence to normalize informed consent, respecting choice, and honoring boundaries. APAC exists for the adult performers. We will continue to serve the community in whatever capacity it can.”
For more information about the APAC, contact apac.information@gmail.com or (818) 927-2903.
