We Can Do Better: Creating a Workplace Sexual Misconduct Task Force.

AuthorDatz, Caryn A.

OVER THE PAST YEAR, our collective consciousness has been awakened by appalling accounts of workplace sexual assault and harassment, bravely told by women and men across the nation. These revelations highlight realities I have long known as a sex crimes prosecutor: no one is deserving of this conduct, these actions are born of an exploitation of power, and we must do more to prevent and address this hidden epidemic. No person can ever reach their full potential if their work or school environment is not safe.

At the District Attorney's Office for the 20th Judicial District in Boulder, Colorado, we have an outstanding, nationally recognized Sexual Assault Unit. I am proud to serve as its Chief Deputy District Attorney. Every day, our prosecutors, investigators, and victim advocates seek to do justice in cases involving sexual offenses committed against both children and adults. Through this work, one glaring pattern stands out: the hesitation of victims to come forward and publicly report their experience. These actions thrive in the silence created through fear. We have seen firsthand the circumstances that can lead to rape, stalking and harassment, including among co-workers and fellow students. Over the years, many of the sex assault cases we have prosecuted might have been prevented or resolved with earlier intervention.

The #MeToo movement has made clear how common sexual assault and harassment is in the workplace where there are often imbalances of power. Often these are battles quietly fought by the victim, and yet loudly defended by the offender through acts of retaliation. As prosecutors, we have a unique and compelling role in combatting sexual harassment and assault. Given the current climate, our offices should play a leading role in helping to prevent offenses and to build the best systems for responding to complaints. The members of NDAA are positioned to lead their communities through this discussion and this opportunity to develop a better culture around sexual conduct. We must help create a culture that prevents sexual harassment and sexual assault, encourages victims to come forward, and condemns retaliation.

Under the leadership of District Attorney Michael Dougherty, we have taken action to reduce the number of sex offenses in our community through the creation of a Workplace Sexual Misconduct Task Force. The Task Force invites government agencies, area employers, educational institutions, and victim advocates to meet...

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