December 8, 2017
For immediate release
PCAR, NSVRC launch training to curb sexual harassment in the workplace
HARRISBURG—The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape and the National Sexual Violence Resource Center are launching a new training to help curb sexual harassment in the workplace.
Sexual harassment is a form of sexual violence. The effects of sexual harassment are severe for individuals, workplaces, and whole communities. Today, employers increasingly recognize the importance of taking proactive steps to ensure and support a safer workplace for their employees. Responding appropriately to sexual harassment—and taking measures to prevent it—are important steps to ending harassment.
The training features an online course as well as an in-person training provided by PCAR and staff from the PA rape crisis center serving the county where the employer is located.
While most workplace discussions have historically focused on the legal aspects, this training encourages employers to take a holistic approach that involves all members of the workplace.
The comprehensive training includes steps to address sexual harassment involving legal, ethical and social issues.
PCAR and the NSVRC developed the curriculum and piloted its application for more than three years prior to its launch this spring.
“Sexual violence in all forms, including in the workplace, is a serious and pervasive issue,” PCAR CEO Delilah Rumburg said. “When it occurs in the workplace, employees can feel threatened, harassed and unsafe, and be forced to make a choice between their livelihood and their safety. Comprehensive anti-sexual harassment training in our workplaces is a vital step for businesses to take to end abuse.”
PCAR is now accepting registrations for spring training sessions. To learn more, contact Joyce Lukima at 717-728-9740 ext. 123.
About PCAR
PCAR works to end sexual violence and advocates for the rights and needs of sexual assault victims. We partner with a network of 50 rape crisis centers to bring help, hope, and healing to people in all of the Commonwealth’s 67 counties. Last year, rape crisis centers provided services to approximately 30,000 victims. Each year, rape crisis centers teach over 300,000 Pennsylvanians how to stop sexual violence in their communities. Over 50,000 professionals are trained by rape crisis centers to enhance the Commonwealth’s systemic responses to victims.
About NSVRC
The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) is the leading nonprofit in providing information and tools to prevent and respond to sexual violence. NSVRC translates research and trends into best practices that help individuals, communities and service providers achieve real and lasting change. The center also works with the media to promote informed reporting. Every April, NSVRC leads Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), a campaign to educate and engage the public in addressing this widespread issue. NSVRC is also one of the three founding organizations of Raliance, a national, collaborative initiative dedicated to ending sexual violence in one generation. The organization was chartered in 2000 by the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape.