New policies against workplace harassment and paid sick leave, and access to rape kits in rural America: Civic action to-do list for 7-23-18

3. Workplace Harassment

Sexual harassment is unacceptable in any and every workplace. Last week, Republicans and Democrats in Congress came together to sponsor a bill in Congress that responds to the #MeToo movement by addressing workplace harassment. The EMPOWER Act (Ending the Monopoly of Power Over Workplace harassment through Education and Reporting) is the only comprehensive policy to eradicate the ubiquitous culture the silence across all industries and hold the companies and perpetrators responsible. Call your member of Congress and tell them to co-sponsor this bipartisan, bicameral bill!

2. Paid Sick Days 

Paid sick leave is an important component of economic security for all workers. It’s also what is right and what is fair for both full time and part time employees.  More than 40 jurisdictions have laws that mandate paid sick leave, but members of Congress are trying to override these local and state laws through the Workflex in the 21 st Century Act (H.R. 4219). Watch members of the House of Representatives’ Education Committee debate the bill at a hearing tomorrow at 10 a.m. ET and then follow up by calling your Representative and telling her/him to oppose it.  

1. Access to Rape Kits

All victims of rape should have access to a forensic examination after an assault, but rural survivors often have to travel hours to go to a hospital that has rape kits and a nurse trained to administer them. The bipartisan Survivors’ Access to Supportive Care Act (SASCA) would help improve and expand access to health care services for survivors of sexual assault. Evidence from these exams is critical to the prosecution of a perpetrator of rape . Contact your Senators and Representative and tell them to co-sponsor this legislation, all victims deserve equal access.