Safe Space Folk

safespacefolk@gmail.com 

As of July 2023, we have changed the primary purpose of our Safe Space Folk inbox.

Previously, we had aimed to understand the scale and nature of sexual harassment, assault and abuse here in Scotland by collating stories and testimonials from those in our community, and ensure that those with experience of abuse or harassment were listened to and equipped with appropriate resources and professional support.

At the height of the #MiseFosta/#MeToo movement across the Scottish and Irish traditional music scenes, we received many testimonies and allegations, with the support of the Musicians’ Union Safe Space Scheme. The Musicians’ Union Safe Space Scheme exists to provide opportunity for musicians to share instances of sexism, sexual harassment and sexual abuse in the music industry, and receive help and support.

We know that misogyny, and sexual harassment and abuse continue to pose significant problems within the Scottish traditional music scene. While we continue to welcome stories and testimonies, we would encourage those with direct and ongoing allegations to contact the MU directly at safespace@theMU.org, as well as appropriate authorities and helplines, including Rape Crisis Scotland and Women’s Aid. 

The primary purpose of our Safe Space Folk scheme will now be to help survivors, as well as those looking for advice on how to deal with instances of misogyny and abuse within the scene, seek out appropriate help and resources. Please continue to get in touch with us! The only thing that has changed is that we will no longer be collating stories and testimonies. Our scheme’s sole purpose is linking those who contact us with appropriate advice.

Our email line, safespacefolk@gmail.com continues to be confidential and staffed by the same core team of three women volunteers – Catriona Hawksworth, Jenn Butterworth and Rachel Newton – with legal and professional guidance from the Musicians’ Union Safe Space Scheme.

The Safe Space Folk scheme is fully confidential. All information shared with our core support team and stored in line with our Information Handling Policy. However, under the GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018, we may share information without consent if, in our judgement, there is a lawful basis to do so, such as where a person’s safety may be at risk.