A statement from the Association
for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers
One of the most
effective ways to prevent sexual harassment and violence is to shine a light on
it.
When
organizations are transparent about incidents of sexual abuse, they help
everyone understand the factors that can lead to sexual abuse and how to
develop systems and processes to prevent that abuse.
Uber’s recent
release of sexual abuse data is an example of that. The level of transparency
Uber has displayed is a credit to their commitment to end sexual harassment and
assault. By providing this information, they are taking a step toward
preventing future victimization.
We already know
some of the factors that can encourage perpetration – isolated working
conditions, significant power and pay disparities, hierarchical organizations
that discourage reporting or lack independent investigatory channels, and
male-dominated fields. The data from Uber may enable us to shine more light on
these and other factors that contribute to sexual assault in the workplace.
Preventing
sexual assault and future victimization will make a significant difference in
many people’s lives. The human harm caused by sexual abuse that goes
unaddressed by employers is significant. It can derail careers, create a ripple
effect of financial difficulties, cause mental and physical health problems,
and result in long-term traumatic impacts on the person who was abused.
Businesses that
work to prevent and address sexual abuse not only save these human costs, they
also save money.
Data from FY2017
found that workplace sexual harassment and assault settlements negotiated by
the EEOC cost U.S. companies $46.3 million that year. Because the EEOC is
involved in only a small percentage of such cases, actual total litigation
costs in the United States are much higher. Studies also show that businesses
pay anywhere per case from $75,000 for out-of-court settlements to $200,000 and
up for jury settlements. Companies also lose money through reduced staff
productivity; higher employee turnover; increased insurance costs; and,
occasionally, boycotts. And these economic costs are not limited to the United
States. They are a worldwide issue.
By being open
about the sexual abuse their drivers and passengers have experienced, Uber is
giving us the information we need to help prevent these types of assaults. This
is an excellent example of social and corporate responsibility that others
would be wise to follow.
For more
information about the factors that can lead to sexual abuse and how to prevent
abuse, visit www.atsa.com.
For additional
details about the costs of abuse, see the following sources:
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