The state is asking the public for input in developing better ways to combat sexual harassment in the workplace, housing and places of public accommodation, Attorney General Gurbir Grewal said.
Three public hearing will be held this month, the last in Atlantic City on Sept. 25.
“Sexual harassment has no place in the workplace, in housing or anywhere else,” Grewal said Monday. “But, regrettably, in 2019, sexual harassment still remains all too common. I hope that the hearings sponsored by the Division on Civil Rights and the New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault will provide an opportunity for frank discussion about the problem and how we can best address it, as individuals and as members of our communities.”
Atlantic City’s hearing will be from 6 to 8 p.m. at the All Wars Memorial Building.
“For too long, sexual harassment has been dismissed, discounted or even accepted as a part of life that one must endure. Victims have been silenced and offenders empowered,” said Anna Martinez, Director of the Division on Women in the Department of Children and Families. “Survivor-led advocacy groups have courageously shone a bright light on the pervasiveness of the problem and the long-term trauma that can result from being victimized. These hearings are about sustaining awareness, exploring solutions and advancing recommendations that promote equity and justice for New Jersey residents.”
Those wishing for attend can click the link below.
While there is a spot to fill out name, those who wish to keep their anonymity may use just their initials or a fake name.
Those wishing to speak at the hearing can indicate that on their registration form.
Anyone who would like to share their input or personal experience but doesn’t wish to speak or can’t attend the meeting can submit their comments HERE.
“Silence is a huge part of the problem,” noted Rachel Wainer Apter, director of the Division on Civil Rights. “The purpose of these hearings is to end the silence—to allow victims to come forward to share their stories and to allow experts to share what we can do, in terms of law and policy, to prevent and address sexual harassment at work, in housing, and in places of public accommodation.”
The first hearing is set for Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park.
The second is at the Hackensack Performing Arts Center from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 24.
“Sexual harassment is pervasive and has impacted far too many New Jerseyans for too long,” said Patricia Teffenhart, executive director of NJCASA. “These hearings will address sexual harassment in the workplace and in housing directly and allow community members to share how we can be better at addressing harassment when it happens, preventing it before it starts, and crafting policy recommendations that are responsive to people’s lived experiences.”
The hearings will include remarks from experts, including leaders from various fields (labor unions, advocacy organizations, academia, community organizations, businesses, sexual violence service providers, etc.), and open time for members of the public to speak.
