Charter

Ars Musica vzw, organiser of the Ars Musica festival and Next Opera Days, wishes to make it clear to all staff, artists, suppliers, volunteers, participants, partners and visitors that it takes the prevention and handling of psychological, moral, sexist and sexual violence and harassment extremely seriously.

We want everyone to feel safe and respected during our festival. The purpose of this charter is to prevent sexist and sexual violence and harassment, to protect victims and to respond appropriately.

We regard any behaviour such as sexist insults, sexual, psychological or moral harassment, sexist and sexual violence, abuse of power, sexual aggression and rape as serious and unacceptable. These acts are clearly defined in the Criminal Code and are illegal and punishable (see the definitions below).

Ars Musica VZW commits to:

• Create a safe environment: one-to-one meetings in private spaces will be avoided, except where this is absolutely necessary for artistic or technical work that cannot be carried out elsewhere. Every team member will avoid any ambiguous behaviour towards artists.
• Act swiftly and decisively against sexist or sexual violence and against psychological or moral harassment within the festival.
• Include a binding clause in contracts and agreements with artists and partners, in which all parties promise to respect the provisions of this charter.
• Investigate all incidents immediately and thoroughly: in a serious, objective and fair manner.
• Hear out all those involved: first the victim, then any witnesses, and finally the accused person.
• Take the necessary measures.
• Intervene with partners when problems are identified or reported.

What should I do if I am a victim or a witness?

If you are a victim:
Please contact one of our confidential advisors. They will listen to you and explain the next steps.

Contact persons (they will get back to you shortly after receiving your email):

• Daphné de Hemptinne (FR): daphne@skynet.be 
• Kathleen Coessens (NL & EN): kathleen.coessens@crlg.be

If you witness something:
Please come and talk to us. Victims often don’t dare to speak up themselves, which can make the situation worse.
Witnesses do not necessarily need to have seen a criminal offence. Even a particular atmosphere or impression can be valuable to report.

If you experience a problem with a staff member, partner, participant, supplier or volunteer during the festival: please speak to us, even if you are unsure.

A festival is, first and foremost, a festive occasion for meeting people and having fun. However, that festive atmosphere must never be an excuse for violence, abuse or intimidation.

Some key terms

MORAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL HARASSMENT
Repeated or subtle behaviour intended to, or resulting in, a deterioration in a person’s working or collaborative conditions, or which damages their dignity, mental or physical integrity, or jeopardises their health. This may take the form of hurtful and disparaging remarks, unjustified criticism, isolation, overburdening or withholding of tasks, constant pressure, or other behaviour that belittles or destabilises a person.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Repeatedly imposing words or actions of a sexual nature that undermine a person’s dignity, or exerting pressure to obtain a sexual act. This is a form of violence based on power dynamics and intimidation, which is prohibited and punishable by law. Sexual harassment in the workplace is punished in a specific manner under the law.

SEXUAL VIOLENCE
Any sexual act, attempt to commit such an act, or any comment or advance of a sexual nature, directed at a person without their consent. This violates fundamental rights and is prohibited by law and punishable as a criminal offence.

SEXISTIC VIOLENCE
Behaviour related to a person’s gender that has the purpose or effect of violating a person’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, humiliating or offensive environment.

SEXIST INSULT
A sexist remark that undermines dignity or creates a humiliating atmosphere.

ABUSE OF POWER
Psychological abuse of power is characterised by various stages that gradually lead to emotional dependence and the manipulator gaining control over their victim. This can lead to sexual violence that is subsequently wrongly regarded as consensual.

SEXUAL ASSAULT
Any sexual act committed by means of violence, coercion, threats or by taking the victim by surprise (e.g. unwanted touching). Sexual assault requires physical contact between the victim and the perpetrator. Both the act itself and any attempt to commit it are punishable offences, even if the perpetrator is the victim’s partner.

RAPE
Any form of sexual penetration, of whatever nature, or any oral-genital act, committed by force, coercion, threat or by surprise. Rape is a sexual act that takes place without the victim’s consent. Physical violence is not necessary for an act to be classified as rape. Rape or attempted rape is a criminal offence, prohibited and punishable by law, even when committed by the victim’s partner.

CONSENT
Sexist and sexual violence involves behaviour or statements that are imposed on a person. The fact that they are imposed means that there is no consent from the person subjected to them. Consent is therefore an essential concept, referring to the act of giving approval. Consent, or the lack thereof, can be both verbal (words, writing) and non-verbal (behaviour, silences, evasive behaviour), or both. Legally speaking, an explicit “no” is not necessary to demonstrate the lack of consent.

Useful websites (including helplines):

• www.sosviol.be (FR)
• www.puntvzw.be (NL)