As a direct response to survey findings on workplace sexual harassment in Chester County, the Chester County Women’s Commission and Chester County Fund for Women and Girls recently hosted a public #ChescoKnows Summit at Penn State Great Valley.

An enthusiastic crowd of more than 150 community leaders and employees who work in Chester County gathered to empower the sexual harassment and assault awareness movement on a local level. The purpose of the summit was to present survey results in more detail and explore ways all key partners can work together to address sexual harassment in Chester County workplaces.

The first 100 attendees were welcomed with a copy of The Drama-Free Workplace: How You Can Prevent Unconscious Bias, Sexual Harassment, Ethics Lapses, and Inspire a Healthy Culture by Patti Perez. It’s a how-to book on preventing unconscious bias and sexual harassment and building healthy workplace cultures.

Chester County Commissioners Michelle Kichline, Kathi Cozzone, and Terence Farrell spoke to efforts already being made in the county to address sexual harassment. They were followed by Meghan McVety, the Co-Founder of Capacity for Change, who presented key findings from the #ChescoKnows Workplace Sexual Harassment survey. She revealed that nearly two-thirds of people, or 62 percent, reported to have witnessed or experienced sexual harassment at some point in their career. She shared stories from anonymous survey participants to properly represent their voices and experiences.

One respondent noted, “if I didn’t ignore 99 percent of what I hear or what has been said to me, I would be out of a job. I do not have the luxury of complaining since I am head of my household.”

According to the survey, one in five workers have experienced sexual harassment from a client, customer, or contractor in their workplace. Those who were unaware of the high frequency of inappropriate behavior reported feeling shocked and naïve.

Keynote speakers Brad Johnson and David Smith – co-authors of Athena Rising – How and Why Men Should Mentor Women – brought facts, guidelines, and entertainment to the summit. Johnson pulled from his experience as a clinical psychologist and professor at the U.S. Naval Academy, and Smith from his as an associate professor of sociology at the U.S. Naval War College, to share solutions for addressing sexual harassment and creating greater gender equality in the workplace and the home.

Following the summit, attendees were prompted by a follow-up survey, and their responses will be used to evaluate and assess the future of #ChescoKnows as it evolves into #ChescoActs. One attendee noted that workplace sexual harassment “is a topic that many people care about but don’t know where to start in making change. Events like this and the resources you provided are extremely helpful in getting the ball rolling. I feel much more empowered to make change now.”

Out of all post-event survey respondents, 79 percent said they would actively contribute to a workplace culture of respect at their workplace, and 78 percent said they planned to start conversations with others about these issues.

To continue building momentum and fostering dialogue around this issue, CCFWG hosted a follow-up discussion on Oct. 1. Also, the Crime Victims’ Center of Chester County, Inc. is offering two 90-minute trainings for both employees and managers on ways to prevent sexual harassment at work. Click here to learn more about how you can get involved.

Discussions around the topic of sexual harassment can trigger emotional responses. For anyone who may be uncomfortable or feel the need to talk to someone, please reach out to community partners like the Crime Victims’ Center of Chester County (610-692-7273) or the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County (610-431-1430).

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