Unveiling the Shadows: Harassment and Assault in Scotland's Folk Music Scene

The Unseen Struggles of Women in Scottish Folk Music

In a striking report from the University of Glasgow, 81% of female participants in the Scottish folk scene reported experiencing harassment or abuse. This statistic shines a light on a troubling reality that many have long suspected but few dared to confront. In the golden glow of traditions and melodies, the darker experiences of women have been obscured, until now.

The Voices Behind the Numbers

This report emanates from responses gathered from 409 women, primarily musicians, educators, and students, all of whom enrich our cultural tapestry. They all echoed similar concerns: a culture of silence that allows harassment to thrive. The findings reveal a chilling truth about our beloved folk music scene, where many have faced not just uncomfortable comments, but also deadly encounters, including rape.

“I love being part of the traditional music scene, but I've turned down jobs because the people involved felt unsafe,” shares Josie Duncan, a well-respected figure in this community.

Perpetrators in Familiar Spaces

It's profoundly disturbing that a significant portion of the perpetrators are fellow musicians. This revelation creates a rift within the tight-knit world of folk music, where artists often rely on one another for collaboration and support. With 75% reporting inappropriate sexual questions and 51% facing unsolicited advances, one cannot overlook the emotional toll this constant threat imposes on our artists.

A Call for Industry Change

Dr. Kelly Johnson, leading the research, emphasized that the findings are not unique to folk music. “This is an issue across the entire music industry and broader society. The experiences of these victim-survivors must be acknowledged and treated as workplace concerns,” she asserts. As we face this troubled landscape, the music's role in advocating for change has never been more critical.

Normalizing the Unacceptable

Participants voiced that these violations have been normalized, chased away by the music's inherent joys but returning in moments of vulnerability. “It's not merely a few isolated incidents,” stated Prof. Michele Burman, a co-author of the report. “Seventy-eight percent reported multiple experiences of harassment.” This not only disheartens but demands immediate action from all within the folk community.

Looking Forward: Recommendations for a Safer Scene

The report outlines essential changes, including rigorous codes of conduct and safeguarding strategies that ensure the safety of all involved. Dr. Amy Cullen, another key figure in the study, remarks, “We need meaningful changes to protect and uplift female talents. This includes dedicated support for victims.”

• Codes of Conduct: Establish guidelines for behavior in all folk music events.
• Designated Safeguarding Personnel: Ensure that organizations have individuals trained to address and respond to harassment.
• Support Systems: Create spaces for open discussions about gender equality and respect.

The Spirit of Celtic Connections

As these findings unfold in the backdrop of Glasgow's Celtic Connections music festival, it becomes even more essential for artists, producers, and fans alike to advocate for systemic change. When festivals thrive on community and survival, we must recognize that our shared spaces cannot thrive if they are marred by fear and violation.

Conclusion: A Moment of Reckoning

This report shines a light on the shadows lurking behind beautiful melodies and heartfelt performances. These statistics, while alarming, serve as a catalyst for essential change that can nourish a safer, more inclusive folk scene. Together, we can ensure that women's voices are heard not just in music but in the spaces they occupy and work within. The time to act is now.