Upcoming Panel Discussion On Workplace Bullying Of Women

PROVIDENCE, RI — Long before the #MeToo movement, bullying was an issue that started to gain traction in the workplace. From universities and boardrooms to offices and politics, this form of intimidation, mistreatment and abuse are inherently similar to violence.

Acknowledging how prevalent the abuse of power and control tactics are particularly toward women, the Women’s Resource Center serving Newport and Bristol Counties (WRC) – a domestic violence prevention agency with offices in Newport and Warren, R.I. – decided to do something about it.

WRC created a program called “FEMpower” with the goal of empowering women to deal with bullying situations in the workplace. A breakfast event is planned for Wednesday, February 21, 2018 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Hope Club, 6 Benevolent Street in Providence.

The event features a panel discussion about the topic of bullying, intimidation, work sabotage, and abuse of power against women, most often repeatedly perpetrated by male bosses but also by co-workers and clients. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from “survivors” of bullying, participate in the discussion and learn coping tactics to take back to their workplaces. A special video welcome message from Governor Gina Raimondo will also be featured to kick off this inaugural program event.

“Bullying is so prevalent that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers the behavior to be a serious public health problem,” states WRC Executive Director Lori DiPersio. “It’s unfortunately common and takes a toll on businesses as well as the victims. We want to help empower women by educating them about situations in the workplace that may happen and provide them with tools and tactics to protect themselves or to help intervene should they witness it happening to a co-worker. It’s important that women know there are resources available to them where they will be heard. They are not alone.”

The panel includes women distinguished in their professions who have either direct experience with bullying during their careers or professional expertise in the area. Participants include: Deb DeBare, executive director of the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Dr. Joan Johnson-Freese, professor and former chair of the U.S. Naval War College National Security Affairs Department; Christine Cunneen, CEO of Hire Image LLC, a nationwide background screening and drug testing firm; and Emily Sack, professor of law at Roger Williams University School of Law.

Moderator is Elisabeth “Betty” Galligan, president of Newberry Public Relations and Marketing, Inc. and current president of the Hope Club Board of Governors.

Advance reservations for the “FEMpower” breakfast panel discussion are required. Tickets are $45.00, which includes breakfast. To purchase tickets, please visit www.wrcnbc.org or call Gregory Thompson at (401) 846-5263. RSVP by February 19, 2018.