The Worst-Case Scenario - Addressing Sexual Molestation in the Modeling Industry *Model Tips*

While writing up my "When Working with a Photog for the First Time - *Model Tips*" post, I did a search to include a link to tips for models should the situation get innapropriate (specifically in regards to sexual molestation) and I was appalled by the lack of actual advice. Even in the Model Mayhem threads, a site dedicated to this industry, had nothing of real substance to offer.

The one piece of advice that kept reoccurring was, "Kick him in the balls." 
...
Are you shitting me?!

Some REAL advice is on it's way, click below.

Most photographers I work with are at least twice my size. If a man has already shown that he is comfortable touching me inappropriately, you really think I should now go and piss him off?? 

Unless you're fucking Hit Girl, I feel like that is a VERY BAD IDEA.

Now, if you've actually read the other post and followed the "3 To-Do's Before Shooting," good girl. You should never find yourself in a bad situation (here's that link again... HERE). I have no intention of trying to frighten or discourage anyone, but it is true that many models have been molested, and worse, by supposed 'photographers' ie perverts with a nice camera. Sadly, in most cases there was nothing done about it and you can bet that these perverts are free to continue on their repeat offender streak. So while I hope that no one I know will ever have this happen to them, it is important to be informed and to be prepared!

So here it is, my advice on what to do in the worst-case scenario. It may not be the best option, but it's better than the kick-to-the-family-jewels scenario...

The Situation:
While shooting, the photographer has touched you inappropriately. Perhaps you've asked him to stop and he's continued. Perhaps he was rough or touched inappropriate parts of your body. No matter the situation, you need to leave it.

The first thing to do : STAY CALM.

Going back to the nut smashing idea (again, just brilliant), it's important not to aggravate the situation. So stay calm. Remove yourself from his grasp if possible and continue shooting like nothing has happened. During this time, pay attention to details. You'll likely need to describe him or the environment later. Unfortunately, these situations will always lead to a "He said/She said" type scenario. Make sure you are calm, and confident in the details of what has occurred. After a couple minutes, make up an excuse, ideally one that will allow you to leave. 

'Oh you know, I have the cutest [WHATEVER] out in my car, it would be perfect! Lemme go grab it, I'll be right back"

And then LEAVE. Drive away. Get to someplace safe and then call the police. If you can, get his license plate number on your way out as well. You want the police to find this man should he run.

If for some reason you can't get to your car, or he insists that your [WHATEVER] really wouldn't work for this shot so keep posing, wait a little longer and then excuse yourself to the bathroom. Perhaps there is a window and you can still get out and call the police from a safe place. Either way, get in there and lock the door. From there call the police (it is also possible to TEXT 911 in some places and with some carriers), and wait until they arrive. Again, it is important not to alert him that there is something going on. If need be, use the never-fail, God-Given excuse that no man ever dares question:

"I just started my period!"

That excuse can also give you a reason to grab your bag with your phone in it prior to heading to the bathroom, should you need to. Or, better yet, a reason to go out to your car and get the hell away from there.


Beyond this, I recommend some other precautions - carry mace, take a self-defense class. Also be sure you've jread my other post and I hope you never end up with such a creep! Also, this is obviously written as a female model regarding male photographers. This was purely for ease of writing, as I'm sure plenty of situations have occurred with male models or female photographers. The gender is of course irrelevant. There are also plenty of causes in which the photographer is the victim. Speaking to all my fellow models though; if a photographer touches you it is sexual molestation just as it would be with anyone else.

It is NOT 'Just part of the business.'

Having that attitude is to accept the situation. We need to work hard on changing it.

If you happen to have more advice to add or have found a good resource regarding this, please leave it in the feedback below! Don't worry, your email is hidden and you can give me a fake name, I won't be offended. This post is only what I personally can come up with as a safe way to leave an unsafe situation.

I also want to make it clear that in the moment we act on instinct. While this is safe and sound advice right now, you'll likely be unable to think rationally should an instance occur. 

THAT IS OK.

A lot of harm is done in the arena of victim-blaming, and a LOT of that blaming comes from the victim themselves. No matter what happened, you are here now, you are safe, you are loved, and you have to just trust that your mind and body did what it knew was best to do - even if that did include kicking 'em in the balls! - to get you to this point. 

You're amazing.

Thanks for reading, feel free to share, and again I hope none of you ever encounter this situation!! Be safe and go make some incredible photos!!

XOXO
JNT

If you have any questions or just want to chat, feel free to email me here:

Contact JNT

Follow