Since the revelations about rampant sexual harassment of women in the entertainment industry, awareness of workplace sexual harassment has increased dramatically. It has become clear that this is not just an entertainment industry problem, since countless allegations have since surfaced about widespread sexual harassment in many industries.
In reflection of this heightened awareness, many workplaces and organizations have become very proactive in shedding light on the issue and finding ways to prevent it. Two of those organizations are the Chester County Women’s Commission and the Chester County Fund for Women and Girls, who recently joined forces to create a survey to detect sexual harassment experiences in Pennsylvania workplaces. Their goal is to inform community conversations and strategies to encourage healthy, safe, and productive workplace environments, according to their press release.
The 10-minute survey is completely voluntary and anonymous and is administered by an independent third party. It includes 18 questions geared toward discovering whether respondents have experienced unwanted sexual advances, improper touching, physical threats, or employer retaliation for reporting acts of sexual harassment. It also asks respondents to say if they have ever left a job because of harassment, and whether their employer was responsive to their complaints.
Survey results will be used to inspire county-wide conversations about harassment at all levels. The county government itself has, for more than 20 years, utilized a respectful workplace policy that includes mandatory training during the orientation of new employees. All new employees receive Respectful Workplace training, which happens within one month of their start date. This has resulted in a minimum number of harassment complaints. If all workplaces were this proactive in keeping a watchful eye on sexual harassment, the numbers of complainants would drop dramatically.
If you experienced sexual harassment in the workplace, we will provide the support you need to stand up for your rights. Our legal team offers compassionate, insightful, tireless advocacy for righting the wrongs. To learn more, please call the Philadelphia sexual harassment lawyers at The Gold Law Firm P.C. at 215-569-1999, or contact us online for a free evaluation of your case. Located in Philadelphia, we serve clients from the surrounding areas, including Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, and Montgomery County.
