SHIELD: Sexual Harassment Intervention, Education, Leadership & Development

SHIELD is expertly crafted to equip businesses with the tools and knowledge necessary to create safe, inclusive, and respectful work environments. Made possible by The Denver Department of Public Health & Environment, this two-year grant will fund an earned revenue model that will help sustain The Blue Bench programs.

SHIELD's curriculum includes understanding sexual harassment and its impact, promoting bystander intervention, establishing effective reporting mechanisms, and implementing supportive policies and procedures. Companies participating will protect their employees and enhance their reputation and productivity.

Studies show:

• 1 in 2 women, 1 in 2 gender marginalized individuals, and 1 in 3 men will experience sexual violence in their lifetime. That means statistically, 30-50% of a company’s staff are survivors of SA.

• Thirty-eight percent of women and fourteen percent of men have reported experiencing sexual harassment at work. (Kearl, Johns, & Raj,
  2019).

• One in seven women and one in 17 men have sought a new job assignment, changed jobs, or quit a job because of sexual harassment and assault (Kearl, et al., 2019).

• Employees who experience sexual harassment are more likely to report (Feldblum & Lipnic, 2016).:

  • Psychological symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, stress, and anxiety.

  • Physical problems such as headaches, sleep problems, gastric problems, weight loss/gain, etc.

Once businesses have completed the Workplace SHIELD program with The Blue Bench, they will receive a “Blue Bench Certified: Safe Workplace” stamp of approval to advertise to the public, internally, and prospective employees.

Please contact Kaylyn Fern, Director of Philanthropy, to earn your SHIELD certificate!