Inspired by #MeToo, Chester County groups launched this first-ever local survey on workplace sexual harassment

Two ChesCo women’s organizations are trying to better understand what #MeToo looks like locally.

Chester County Fund for Women and Girls (CCFWG), the West Chester-based grant maker that supports girls’ leadership development, has teamed up with Chester County Women’s Commission, charged with supporting local women’s issues via legislative advocacy, to promote a workplace sexual harassment survey for those who live and work in the county.

The orgs hopes its findings will “ultimately be used by Chester County employers to spark conversations about healthy and safe workplace environments for all,” according to a press release.

The short survey asks respondents questions such as “If you opted not to report a sexual harassment incident … at your current workplace that you experienced, what were the reasons?” and “How comfortable would you feel discussing a behavior or experience related to sexual harassment that made you feel uncomfortable with any of the following at your current workplace?”

CCFWG Executive Director Michelle Legaspi Sanchez said the survey was the first of its kind in the county and it was inspired by national rise in workplace sexual harassment claims.

Her organization and CCWC “have been in conversation for many months about how we can come together in response to the #metoo movement,” she wrote in an email.

“In an idyllic community where there can be skepticism or disbelief that social problems such as poverty, addiction, or sexual assault exist, it was important to us to bring the data to the forefront to start a dialogue aimed at change,” Legaspi Sanchez said. “CCWC decided to commission the research, and we unequivocally moved forward to fund the project through our Impact Grants and partner with CCWC to help ensure its success.”

People of all genders are encouraged to participate in the survey, which will be open until Dec. 21. Results will be released in the spring at a joint event with CCFWG and CCWC.