Post on 16-Jul-2020
#ChescoKnows A report on workplace sexualharassment in Chester County
June 2019
BY THE NUMBERSSexual harassment is common in current workplaces in Chester County. People assess, interpret,handle and respond to sexual harassment in different ways, making it a complicated issue.
1 in 4 people in Chester County havewitnessed or experienced sexualharassment in their current workplace.
1 in 3 workers do not have a process at workto report concerning behavior or are not awareof any process in their current workplace.
Though awareness has increased, tolerance for harassment has decreasedand employer responsiveness has improved, only 43% are confident thatworkplace sexual harassment will decrease in the future.
Nearly 1 in 5 workers have
experienced sexual harassment
from a client, customer or contractor
in their current workplace.
Nearly 2 of 3 people have
witnessed or experienced
sexual harassment at some
point in their career.
People experience a range and breadth of impacts as a result of sexual harassment;some perceive it as not a big deal, and others experience impacts for years.
KEY INSIGHTS
Many are hesitant to talk about sexualharassment because it is too depressingand seems like nothing can be done aboutit, while others believe it is overblown.
Definitions and interpretations aboutsituations, comments or interactionsoften differ, which creates confusion andcomplicates how to address sexualharassment.
Experiences differ as much as workplacesdiffer: nurses, customer service workers,hospitality workers, nonprofit employees,government employees, and professionalservice providers have similar, yet different,experiences.
The prevalence of sexual harassment doesnot vary much across demographics, position,tenure and sector – though options for whatpeople can do about it are shaped bysocioeconomic factors, and experiences areoften compounded by other forms ofdiscrimination.
Incidents often go unreported – often itfalls on the person who is harassed to dosomething about it or just accept itbecause it is commonly perceived that:
- Sexual harassment is the norm- Reporting sexual harassment will hurtone’s career- It is better to confront a harasser oneself
It is hard to know what to dowhen one witnesses someonebeing sexually harassed sincethese are complex issues withpotential repercussions foroneself, for one’s employer andworkplace, and for the personwho was harassed.
Supportive leadership, womenin management positions,training, and policies appear
ChesterCounty,
PA
“My experiences and what Iwitnessed seemed to almost reachthe descriptions you provide herebut never crossed that line. I wouldabsolutely describe it as manipulativeand abusive behavior but it wassubtle enough that it made it hardto define as sexual harassment.”
“In my experience, mostpeople in my workplace
are upstanding, respectfulpeople. However, it is alsomy experience that most
supervisors and managersavoid difficult topics and
situations which, in effect,provides the space for
inappropriate workplacebehaviors.”
"All of the incidents Ihave witnessed orexperienced came
through interactions withmembers of the public,not with coworkers or
managers."
“I have and will continue to come to the aid ofothers who are being harassed- at the veryleast, it lets the perpetrator know that thereis a witness. There will always be safety andpower in numbers.”
Sampling of survey responses
"If I didn’t ignore 99% of whatI hear or what has been saidto me, I would be out of ajob. I do not have the luxuryof complaining since I amhead of my household."
to result in decreases insexual harassment.
The Chester County Women's Commission and the Chester County Fund forWomen and Girls are committed to facilitating constructive dialogues andleveraging resources that will contribute to improved workplace environmentsin Chester County. These efforts will benefit everyone who lives, works, visitsand attends school in Chester County.
Overall, workplace environments have improved, yet we know that we can
WHAT'S NEXT?
www.chescowc.org www.ccfwg.org
WHO TOOK THE SURVEY?
908individuals completed at least
part of the survey; 97% made
it to the end of the survey but
skipped some questions.
reside in
Chester County
and 91% work in
Chester County
84%739 106
WhatWe CanAll Do
Now that we know what's happening in Chester County workplaces,it is time to act.
Continue to explore the issues to better understand andaddress intersection of socioeconomics and discriminationwith sexual harassmentIdentify specific strategies effective in different sectorsand workplacesKnow what is acceptable and expected in the workplaceLearn to intervene in situations, speak up for oneself, andsupport othersBe a "champion" for change
Learn
Raise awareness about what is happening right now inChester County workplaces by sharing these study resultsStart conversations about what is possibleTalk about each other's experiences Share resources to support individuals and workplaces
Teach
Put in place practices and policies that prevent andaddress sexual harassment in workplacesBuild workplace cultures of respect
Act
RESOURCES
Free Hotlines in Chester County (Available 24/7)
The Crime Victims' Center of Chester County(610) 692-7273 or www.cvcofcc.org
The Domestic Violence Center of Chester County(610) 431-1430 or www.dvccc.com
Reporting Workplace Sexual Harassment in PAhttps://www.pa.gov/guides/reporting-workplace-sexual-harassment-in-pennsylvania/
Know Your Rightshttps://www.equalrights.org/legal-help/know-your-rights/sexual-harassment-at-work/
https://www.nsvrc.org/bystander-intervention-tips-and-strategies
Bystander Intervention Tips
Other Resources
make Chester County workplacessafer, more respectful, and moreproductive for everyone.
National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline(800) 656-4673
National Sexual Violence Resource Center Hotline(877) 739-3895
Free National Hotlines (Available 24/7)
Attend our#ChescoKnows Summit
We will be holding a Workplace Summit on
September 24th to present survey results to
the public. Don't miss this opportunity to
contribute to an important conversation
about workplace sexual harassment and
what we can do together to address it.
September 24th
Penn State Great Valley8:00 am-11:00 am
30 Swedesford Road in Malvern