FEATURE:
In Response to a Potential #MeToo Music Movement…
PHOTO CREDIT: Marina Pechnikova/Pexels
The Need for the Music Industry to Support Women Experiencing Domestic Abuse
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I realise that this is not…
IN THIS PHOTO: Alex Scott is a sports presenter, pundit and former professional footballer who is ambassador for the domestic abuse charity, Refuge/PHOTO CREDIT: GLAMOUR
the most Christmas-appropriate feature I can run. It is important to discuss important and tough subjects, even if they are quite upsetting and challenging. I saw a recent article from GLAMOUR, where Alex Scott discussed her role as ambassador for Refuge. They are a charity that offers specialist support for women and children experiencing domestic violence. You can donate to them. We know that domestic abuse impacts so many women and children. I do appreciate that men experience domestic violence. I completely sympathise with them. It does happen with men in the music industry, so I would never discount that or minimise it. However, when it comes to domestic violence affecting those in the music industry, the vast majority is against women. In fact, when we do think about those women affected by something so horrific, maybe we look at those outside of music, film and other industries. For want of a better word, the more ‘everyday’ women. That is not the case. I wanted to look at the issue wider afield, as it an important thing to talk about. Ending domestic abuse and protecting women (and children). I know there are women within music – whether artists, those working through the industry or even music fans – who are affected by domestic abuse in some way. A vital charity doing really important work. Alex Scott, as someone who has experienced domestic abuse, has this first-hand insight and impact. I know that there will be women in the music industry and associated who are involved in abusive relationships or victims of domestic abuse. Alex Scott’s words can definitely provide strength:
“GLAMOUR: Hi Alex! Thanks for speaking with GLAMOUR today. Can you tell me about why you wanted to be an ambassador for Refuge?
Alex Scott: Honestly, when my book came out – where I detailed my upbringing, my life and what I'd been through with domestic abuse – I wasn't thinking about what next or how I could help or be an ambassador for anyone. That wasn't the case. During my Women's Hour interview on BBC Radio 4, I realised that I didn't want anything from the book, but if I could use the proceeds to help anyone else who's gone through what my mum did or what I kind of experienced as a kid, I wanted to do that.
I remember going away thinking, well, where do I look? Where should all these proceeds go? I did a lot of research, and it just felt right; something within my gut told me that I wanted to work with Refuge.
PHOTO CREDIT: GLAMOUR
Do you think that there is more scrutiny on you when you support a cause like this? Especially when it's a cause about an issue that specifically impacts women. I know people are quick to ask, ‘What about the men?’ even when we have stats like the one you mentioned – two women a week are killed by a current or former partner – that show we need to have these conversations about women.
As you said, there will always be those people who are like, 'Oh, it's not only women that go through it,' and we're not saying that is the case, but as I said, it just goes back to me knowing what I went through. I saw my mum go through it. I connected with Refuge because I know that's the side that they specialise in and they try and help. That's the side that I lent to, but that's not saying I'm disregarding anyone else and the work that they're doing or saying that you don't matter and it doesn't count. It's me just trying to raise a voice in this certain area because of my experiences.
In a dream world, how could society better support survivors of domestic abuse?
Oh God. Well, that's the thing. It's a societal issue. And we all need to come together to tackle that. It's excellent that GLAMOUR's covering this issue and that we're talking about it because it needs to be acknowledged that it's a serious crime. We need to tackle the myths around domestic abuse – it's not going away. How can we continue to let it happen?
There are so many women who look up to you. Maybe some of these people are going through a similar situation. Maybe they're watching their parents deal with domestic abuse. Maybe they're experiencing it firsthand. What would be your message to them?
You are not alone. I know that you can feel that you are isolated, but support is available. I know I think back to my mum thinking that she was a coward and she didn't do enough. When I see my mum and all the women who have gone through this and are survivors, you are superwomen! Everything you've gone through to protect yourself and your kids – and the fact that that's stripped of you – but I think you are absolutely incredible, powerful women, and it's just getting that courage back to see that in yourself. You're not alone, and there is help out there. You can call Refuge's National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247”.
PHOTO CREDIT: Pixabay/Pexels
As I say, it is perhaps not the most Christmassy thing to post at the moment! It is quite tough and dark…yet it is a time of year when many are going to be together and there will be this unity. Happy homes and families coming together. There are those who will not have the same Christmas as a lot of people. Women living in fear and trapped in abusive homes. Subjected to the most horrific domestic abuse. It is important that Refuge is out there and doing amazing work. We are in a time when many men in the industry have been accused of sexual assault and abuse. GLAMOUR asked recently whether the #MeToo movement is finally coming to the music industry. It is a time when there is reaction to this wave of abuse and assault. Women standing up and telling their stories. There is a long history of domestic abuse in music. The industry called out time and time again for not doing enough. Will we see changes in 2024? Things as they stand are not good:
“Domestic violence against women in the industry is nothing of the past, as there have been many cases of it within the past year. One of the most publicized cases in 2022 was the trial of Meghan Thee Stallion and Tory Lanez. According to an article from the New York Times, on July 12, 2020 Meghan Thee Stallion was shot multiple times in both feet after leaving a party with Tory Lanez. She needed surgery to remove the bullet fragments from her feet. Three months later, Meghan Thee Stallion spoke out about the incident and claimed that Tory Lanez was the one who wielded the gun. Rather than being supported and believed by the internet, he was met with a large amount of criticism from his fans. The trial ensued during December of 2022, where Meghan Thee Stallion took the stand and testified about how the controversy over the encounter had made her depressed and hurt her career, as she was the target of many hateful comments on social media. The jury found that Tory Lanez was guilty on three felony counts and he faces more than twenty years in prison and the possibility of deportation. No matter how successful a woman is in the music industry, this case proves how they are still not safe from domestic violence.
Future of the Issue
Although people have become aware of the domestic violence women face in the music industry following the #MeToo movement, there does not seem as if much will change in the future. Women may be able to speak out against violent incidents, but they are not shielded from the incoming flood of hate from the internet and are still silenced by powerful executives. There are no laws being put in place by anyone in the music industry in order to protect women either. According to an article from Gem, his kind of violence is an issue across the globe for women of every race, age, and background. With the amount of domestic violence accusations within the past decade, musician FKA twigs begs the question, “How long can the music industry go on without a #MeToo style movement?” and “How will the industry enact positive change and tackle the larger problem?”.
IN THIS PHOTO: Megan Thee Stallion/PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images
A lot of strong and brave women have spoken about their experience with domestic abuse. It is a different case for every woman. Different situations. Musicians’ Union offer support for victims of domestic abuse. It does obviously impact men and non-binary people - though the majority of cases relate to women being the victims. Whilst we know of the more high-profile cases of women affected by sexual abuse, there are many cases of domestic abuse behind closed doors. Not only involving artists. Many other women across the industry will be affected. There are terrific resources out there. I was moved by Alex Scott’s words for GLAMOUR. It made me think about the music industry and how there has been this ongoing issue addressing of domestic abuse and sexual assault. Something that, in an especially prolific year regarding cases, more needs to be done about. At a time of year where so many of us are looking forwards to relaxing and being in this safe and warm space, we need to think about women who are in very unsafe homes. Every article and interview that comes out is helping to bring more awareness and hopefully affect change. It is quite slow in the music industry. Maybe not enough knowledge and understand about the fact that it is a very real thing that affects a lot of women. There is help out there.
PHOTO CREDIT: Karolina Grabowska/Pexels
In addition to tackling inequality, discrimination and increased sexual assault through the industry, there also needs to be measures to protect women who are impacted by domestic abuse. It can take various forms. It is not always the case women can speak out or tell their stories. This is especially true in music, given the prominence and position of some artists. Recent programmes like Taking Back Control - that showed on Ireland’s RTÉ - will no doubt inspire other women. New conversations around #MeToo in Pop and Hip-Hop will obviously help regarding the issue. In an industry that traditionally silences women who experience sexual abuse, there is little recognition and support for those who are victims of domestic abuse. 2024 needs to be a year of much greater engagement and support. Not silencing women. Instead, ensuring that they are safe, believed and find justice and space. We have just been told that former Kasabian frontman Tom Meighan is now eligible for a BRIT Award. A high-profile ceremony that is very respected making this ridiculous decision. Seemingly, if a man in the industry is accused of domestic abuse then they are let off of the hook. No ban from ceremonies or further punishment. As Mel B said in a statement to The Independent, it is a terrible move from the BRITs. It also send a really terrible message. Artist slowthai (who has been accused on two counts of rape) may be eligible for BRIT honours:
“Mel B has hit out at former Kasabian member Tom Meighan being eligible for the 2024 BRIT Awards, despite him being convicted of domestic assault.
The Spice Girls singer voiced her disappointment in a statement to The Independent – saying that she feels let down by the decision to have a singer convicted of abuse being eligible to win a BRIT Award.
It comes after Meighan was among the acts included on the form for the voting academy for the 2024 edition.
Meighan parted ways with the Leicester group in July 2020, shortly before being charged with assaulting his partner Vikki Ager – who he married the following year. He was sentenced to 200 hours of unpaid work.
The BRIT buzz comes following the release of his solo album, ‘The Reckoning’, and he is eligible for Album of the Year, British Rock/Alternative Act, and Artist of the Year at next year’s ceremony.
“I am deeply disappointed that an organisation so highly respected within the music industry should make a choice like this,” Mel B told the outlet.
IN THIS PHOTO: Mel B/PHOTO CREDIT: PA
“You have to think what kind of message are you sending out to people when crimes of violence against women can be committed and then that person could be rewarded as part of a massively high profile awards event. It’s shocking to me.”
Mel B’s comments against Meighan come following years of work campaigning against domestic violence. She has also voiced her own experiences of alleged abuse in the past – sharing claims of domestic violence during her marriage to Stephen Belafonte in her memoir Brutally Honest. Belafonte has repeatedly denied the claims against him, and the two reached a private settlement in 2017.
“I am not only a Patron of Women’s Aid but I have just completed three new chapters of my book, Brutally Honest, which charts my journey through abuse and the six years it has taken me to deal with the trauma of that abuse,” she added. “I am still dealing with that trauma and I know I am not alone”.
Going back to Alex Scott’s interview with GLAMOUR, there is this amazing work being done. Incredible charities like Refuge. Musicians’ Union support those in the industry here. Thinking about the Christmas period ahead and how so many women will be experiencing something miserable and awful makes it evident that tackling domestic abuse in the music industry needs to be…
PHOTO CREDIT: MART PRODUCTION/Pexels
ANOTHER big priority.