Be Educated: Involve Yourself to Promote Safe Work Environment

Be Educated: Involve Yourself to Promote Safe Work Environment

Every April, Sexual Assault Awareness Month is being observed across the country. This worldwide effort aims to increase public awareness about sexual assault, also focusing on promoting a safe work environment.  

Sexual Assault Awareness Month is a chance for business owners to learn more about how they can prevent sexual assault in their workplace and community.  

You may be asking what role you can play as an entrepreneur in avoiding sexual abuse. After all, you’re not a mental health professional or a law enforcement officer. However, there are quite a few things you can do to help make your workplace and community safer from sexual assault.  

About one in three women for one out of every six men had been victims of physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives. That’s a lot of people. And those numbers are even higher for survivors of color and LGBTQIA+ individuals. 

4 Ways Entrepreneurs Can Prevent Sexual Violence 

Before we get into what you can do to help, let’s take a moment to talk about the different types of sexual violence. Sexual violence includes any act done for sexual gratification without consent from the other person, including rape, sexual assault, groping, and verbal harassment.  

When it comes to sexual assault, the best defense is prevention. By taking a few simple steps, you can help reduce the risk of sexual assault in your workplace and community.  

As an entrepreneur, there are four things you can do to assist and prevent sexual violence: 

  • Educate yourself and your employees about sexual assault. 

Understanding sexual assault is the first step in preventing it. Ensure you and your staff understand the basics of sexual assault, such as what it is, how common it is, who is in danger, etc. You can get a lot of information on sexual violence prevention online or through local groups.  

Additionally, educate yourself and your employees about creating a safe and respectful work environment. This includes learning about and following your company’s sexual harassment policy and understanding and respecting everyone’s boundaries.  

  • Create a zero-tolerance policy for sexual harassment and assault. 

Make it clear to everyone in your company that sexual harassment and assault will not be tolerated. If someone engages in sexual harassment or assault, they will be held accountable and may face disciplinary action, including termination.  

  • Promote positive body image and healthy relationships among your employees. 

One of the leading causes of sexual violence is a negative body image and unhealthy relationship dynamics. Help promote positive body image and healthy relationships among your employees by providing resources and education about healthy relationships. This could include hosting workshops or seminars, providing articles or books about positive body image and healthy relationships, or simply having open and honest conversations.  

  • Get involved in your community. 

Participating in your community is one of the most effective methods to avoid sexual assault. Donate to local groups that fight to prevent sexual assault by volunteering or donating. Attend events and rallies related to sexual assault awareness. Speak out against sexual violence and create change in your community.  

  

Sexual Assault Awareness Month is an opportunity for people to get together and promote public awareness about sexual assault. As an entrepreneur, you can play an essential role in preventing sexual violence by educating yourself and your employees about the issue. You can form a zero-tolerance policy for sexual harassment and assault in the workplace. Additionally, you can promote positive body image and healthy relationships and get involved in your community.  

If you’re an entrepreneur looking to make a difference in the fight against sexual violence, Live Free Virtual Services can help. We can provide the resources and education you need to create a safe and respectful work environment for everyone.