The DGA is committed to ensuring all members can work on productions without experiencing harassment. We understand there is a unique stigma tied to reporting harassment-related incidents. Our staff supporting the harassment hotline are trained to respond to these unique circumstances with a trauma-informed approach.
If you believe you have experienced harassment while working, or would like to discuss a situation you are experiencing on set that may constitute harassment or discrimination, please call Breannah Oppenhuizen at 1 (310) 289-2015 or email her at baoppenhuizen@dga.org. If you would like to discuss your issue after hours, you are welcome to contact the Safety Hotline at (310) 289-5326.
If you are a DGA Member and would like to submit a complaint using the Hollywood Commission's MyConnext Reporting Tool, please follow this link.
We have provided some commonly asked questions to support your understanding of how the DGA can support you in the event you experience harassment.
Q: What is Harassment?
A: Harassment is unwelcome conduct based on protected characteristics that creates a hostile work environment or affects employment decisions. It includes verbal, physical, or visual behavior that interferes with work performance.
Q: What are an employer's legal responsibilities?
A: Employers must provide harassment-free work environments and are required to take action when they are made aware of violations. They are required to investigate reports of harassment if there is reason to believe it has occurred, even in the absence of a formal complaint.
Q: Is retaliation related to a harassment complaint illegal?
A: Yes. If you believe you have been subject to retaliation for reporting workplace harassment there may be formal remedies you can pursue. We recommend contacting the harassment hotline for further guidance.
Q: How can the DGA support me if I experience harassment while working on set?
A: There are various approaches we can take to support you depending on the nature of your complaint. While we cannot guarantee our communications will be kept confidential depending on the nature of the complaint, we are able to support you by sending Field Representatives to your set to observe, recording your complaint and following up with the appropriate labor department, as well as supporting you in any interviews that occur regarding your complaint filing.
Q: I am not a DGA Member, how do I report what happened to me on set?
A: We always encourage employees to report workplace violations to the employer as they have a legal responsibility to address the matter. If you are not comfortable contacting the employer we encourage you to contact the MyConnext Ombuds Office which is an independent resource created by the Hollywood Commission to address situations related to harassment and discrimination in the workplace.
Additional Resources
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The MyConnext Reporting Tool is a secure and private online platform that allows members to safely explore available support, understand your rights, and report workplace misconduct conveniently and securely – www.myconnext.org
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The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is the government agency responsible for enforcing federal laws that make it illegal to sexually harass anyone in the workplace. (800) 669-4000 – www.eeoc.gov/index.cfm.
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The Entertainment Industry Help Line offers emotional support and referrals to pro bono legal services, low-fee therapy, and free support groups for anyone who has experienced sexual harassment or misconduct while working in the entertainment industry. Trauma-informed staff take calls from across the country, and referral services currently serve California, New York, and Georgia. – (855) 943-5463.
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The National Women's Law Center offers legal services for women, including legal assistance regarding sexual harassment in the workplace. – www.nwlc.org/timesup/legal-assistance.
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The Actor's Fund provides free and confidential help for those who have experienced sexual harassment. Services include short term one-on-one counseling, referrals for helpful resources and assistance in locating legal services. – www.actorsfund.org.
