“Religious, sexual harassment and abuse have become an epidemic. Sadly, it’s not something new. It’s existed since the fall of Adam and Eve. Religion is not exempt. A sacred place meant to be safe, and holy has become the breeding ground for violence and evil.”
Dana Arcuri
Sexual assault and rape cases have almost doubled from 1.4 victimizations per 1000 individuals in 2017 to 2.4 in 2018. One report states that more than 7 million people were raped or sexually assaulted in the United States in 2018. Many of these cases have unfortunately occured at the workplace.
Sexual assault cases in the workplace
Sexual harassment cases are turning out to be a major concern in the corporate world. As the number of sexual assault cases rapidly rise, it is important to take proactive steps to prevent them from occurring.
Create Awareness
Most victims of sexual assault find it difficult to talk about. If you are a victim, it is important to share it to create awareness in the workplace. Talk about it to your colleagues or managers to raise the issue. Often people believe that sexual assault cases happen at other companies and not theirs. When it hits closer to home, many decide to take it more seriously.
Document it
Document the entire matter thoroughly to use it as evidence. According to a Galveston criminal defense lawyer, it is important to record statements, collect as much evidence to make your case stronger. You may find the documents prepared helpful while representing your case in court.
Follow the company’s processes
Every company should have a set of sexual harassment policies designed for the company staff. If not, help develop it! It encompasses the rules and protocol to be followed if in case an individual encounters any incident of sexual harassment in the office premises.
Undergo training
Companies offer sexual harassment training containing the details about how to deal with such cases, the sexual assault law, and much more. It is important that not only leaders but all employees understand what is not appropriate behavior. Often the culture of the workplace can create an environment that either is conducive to sexual assaults or prevents them.