Peace Over Violence, with our continued commitment to end all forms of violence and create a legacy of cultural transformation, launches the Sexual Harassment-Free Zones Initiative to contribute to the manifestation of our common vision: a world without violence.
From our inception in 1971, Peace Over Violence has been committed to social service, social change and social justice, where we openly confront and work to heal from the impact of sexual violence in all its forms.
The Sexual Harassment-Free Zones Initiative we now propose—with your help—will engage workplaces, schools and communities to acknowledge the role that harassment plays in the continuum of violence and to take the necessary steps to build sexual harassment-free public and private spaces in our neighborhoods, cities, states, nations and beyond.
A recent study reports that in the United States an overwhelming majority—81% of women and 43% of men—have experienced sexual harassment and/or assault in their lifetime.1 Girls starting as young as 12 find themselves the target of a daily barrage of unsolicited intrusions that objectify and disrespect their bodies, which leads to feelings of vulnerability, fear, insecurity and demoralization. Years of this systemic harassment takes a cumulative toll that attacks one’s sense of dignity, safety and autonomy, affecting confidence, health and career prospects. Sexual harassment in our communities creates barriers to gender and social equity by limiting choices and aspirations. Inequities in the workplace also allow for an environment where power imbalances thrive and transgressions occur. The Sexual Harassment-Free Zones Initiative seeks to build communities where all individuals fulfill their full potential to contribute, develop and flourish, in a society grounded in respect, equity and justice.
Now is the time for cultural transformation. We hope you’ll join us in building healthy workplaces, schools, institutions and public spaces where our human and civil rights are protected and respected. This initiative serves as a catalyst to fully embrace a proactive movement to build a world without violence, free from gender-based intimidation and discrimination, where we acknowledge, confront and remedy the harm that sexual harassment causes. We are building toward an environment where respect, dignity and equal opportunity will rise to the top. The time to build is now. Will you join us?
