#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