CHICAGO—(ENEWSPF)—April 24, 2018
By: Rosemary Piser
Yesterday, actor and producer David Schwimmer and Mayor Emanuel launched ‘#ThatsHarassment’ in Chicago, a citywide campaign to empower victims and bystanders to speak out and provide tools for employers to create a safe work environment. The Public Service Announcements (PSAs) will appear on City billboards along the highways and information panels throughout the city, and in Creative Mobile Technologies and Curb Technologies taxicabs.
At the announcement, David Schwimmer said, “No longer does the shame of sexual harassment and assault belong with the victims and the survivors. These PSAs showcase the pervasiveness of abuse in the workplace, and make very clear that perpetrators who use positions of power to demean, deride, discredit, harass and assault anyone will be held accountable.”
Mayor Emanuel added, “By confronting sexual harassment, discrimination and misogyny directly, we can help more people understand their rights and responsibilities when it comes to this incredibly important issue. The #ThatsHarassment series is part of a coordinated, concerted campaign to educate and empower everyone to recognize and respond to unacceptable behavior in the workplace. Together, we can create safe, empowering professional environments for all.”
Mona Noriega, Commission on Human Relations, said, “Sexual harassment has no place in Chicago, and it is critical to we educate everyone on the simple difference between right and wrong. #ThatsHarassment” is the latest step, but certainly not the last steps towards making sure our workplaces are professional, respectful and empowering for all employees.”
Schwimmer and his team created the project to highlight behaviors that are unacceptable and to help end institutional silence and complicity. The films take place in various professional settings and depict scenarios of sexual harassment where men in positions of power cross the line. Based on real events, the videos include: “The Boss” starring Zazie Beetz and David Schwimmer, “The Coworker” starring Grace Gummer and Joseph Sikora, and “The Doctor” starring Cynthia Nixon and Michael Kelly. The PSAs can be found at: www.CityofChicago.org/ThatsHarassment.
The campaign also encourages employers to use the films for training to proactively address and prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. Employers interested in using these films to educate, inform and ensure they are creating safe work environments and conditions for their employees can find more information at NWLC.org/ThatsHarassment.
The ads started running on April 23 throughout Chicago. In 2018 alone, the various content on the digital billboards have reached more than 515 million impressions. City information panels like ads hosted on bus shelters have reached nearly 190 million impressions in the same time period.
The full-length short films and PSAs were first launched in New York. In partnership with the Ad Council, the campaign was supported digitally and on television by major media companies including ABC/Freeform, Amazon, CBS, The CW, Fox, FX, Hulu, Starz and Showtime. The PSAs, executive produced by Schwimmer, Sigal Avin and Mazdack Rassi of MILK Studios, are shortened versions of the films that first launched in April 2017.
The PSAs drive viewers to RAINN, which is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, and encourage viewers to call 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit RAINN.org/ThatsHarassment. RAINN operates a 24-hour hotline, along with a live chat option. Additionally, viewers can find relevant content and resources on sexual harassment.
Source: www.cityofchicago.org