Training, education can help fight sexual harassment, abuse

There is some ambiguity surrounding the definition of sexual harassment. From the little girl born in the late 1970s who thought it was OK for an adult man to compliment her on her legs and her hips, to the adult woman in the 21st century who questions every male comment, look or gesture directed towards her personal appearance, where is the line?

Sexual assault, on the other hand, is more concrete. From Denim Day (triggered by a ruling by the Italian Supreme Court to overturn a rape conviction) to the #MeToo movement, one thing remains the same: Education and training are needed for everyone — from the victims to the perpetrators to the bystanders to the corporations and organizations that offer sub-par protections against harassment.

High-quality and continual training must occur in an interactive manner, not simply a Q&A that comes down from corporate every year. Creative and innovative scenario training that speaks to the realistic nature of the culture of sexual harassment in our country is absolutely necessary.

Entities responsible for ensuring the safety of others, reducing the risk and preventing sexual harassment must make a conscience effort to share practical resources that are accessible and applicable to all people. The status quo is not successful. Something different must be done, and done quickly. We may be dealing with new claims, but the secret society that has been sexual harassment is now unfolding in the public eye.

This story was originally published January 9, 2018 at 12:18 PM with the headline "Training, education can help fight sexual harassment, abuse."