FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PHRC to hold Sexual Harassment Symposium November 2
HARRISBURG, PA – The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) will hold a Sexual Harassment Symposium from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, November 2 at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia, 237 Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. This in-person conference will bring together practitioners, investigators, attorneys, policy makers, activists, and advocates invested in ending sexual harassment in all spaces. This trauma-informed and survivor-centered event will focus on individual and collective healing and share novel approaches to prevention and response.
The theme of this year's event is "Finding Power in Your Voice." Through engaging discussions, interactive workshops, and inspiring panelists, the symposium will explore ways to find strength in our voices and create positive change within ourselves and our communities.
"PHRC's 2023 Sexual Harassment Symposium will allow individuals to not only share their stories, which can be cathartic, but also inspire others to speak up in order to fight back," said Ronnessa Edwards, Co-Chair, Sexual Harassment Symposium Committee. "For so long, sexual harassment was considered an issue that only women faced from men who were just "being a man," but we know now that sexual harassment is not gender specific. Anyone can become the target. Although society has enacted laws to protect citizens from sexual harassment, we still have a long way to go before it is seen as egregious as other violations against humanity. Sexual harassment survivors are still second guessed, scapegoated, and often blamed, which can discourage other survivors or witnesses from reporting it. The aim of this symposium is to empower individuals to speak up against sexual harassment whether they are the target, a witness, or decision makers."
To register or find more information about the conference, click here.
"I am proud of our planning team for putting together this symposium," said PHRC Executive Director Chad Dion Lassiter, MSW. "Sexual Harassment exists everywhere. We see it in employment, education, housing, commercial property, and public accommodations. The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission wants Pennsylvanians to know we are here to protect and support anyone who is subjected to sexual harassment. Our hope is this symposium will help educate those in attendance with recognizing what sexual harassment is, how to combat it, and how the PHRC can help."
This symposium will deal with sensitive and sometimes difficult subject matter. PHRC is mindful that some individuals may have a difficult time, including those with a history of victimization. To create a more accepting and healing environment, staff from the City of Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services will be on site providing support to those who need it.
The PHRC, the state's leading civil rights enforcement agency, urges anyone who has experienced sexual harassment to file a complaint with the PHRC by calling 717-787-4410. A dedicated, unbiased PHRC intake specialist will walk you through the process and help prepare your complaint. Complainants do not incur any attorney fees during the investigation process from the PHRC. Pennsylvania law also protects you from retaliation. This means no one may lawfully take action against you for filing a complaint, opposing unlawful activity, or helping with an investigation. In addition, PHRC offers sexual harassment prevention trainings. You can find more information and resources at www.PHRC.pa.gov.