Sexual Assault in Employment and Retail
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Sexual Assault in Employment lawyer. Sexual assault in the workplace has been a problem for decades; however, the problem is particularly troublesome for those who work in retail. It is important for supervisors, staff, and customers to understand how to prevent sexual assault in retail.
Remember that Anyone can be a Victim of Sexual Assault
In order for sexual assault to be prevented, it is vital for everyone to understand that anyone can be sexually assaulted. While the media may stereotype victims of sexual assault as being children involved in youth sports leagues, elderly victims of nursing home abuse, female, or otherwise vulnerable in appearance, sexual abuse and molestation impacts everybody. By understanding that anyone can be a victim of sexual assault, it sets up victims to be believed when they come forward with their allegations. All accusations of sexual abuse should be taken seriously and investigated to the fullest extent possible. By believing individuals who come forward, we encourage others to come forward with their own allegations, helping to end the epidemic of sexual assault in retail.
Train Employees Properly
In retail, it is important to train everyone properly with regards to sexual assault. While some people may think this is obvious, it is vital to clearly state what is acceptable in the workplace and what is not. Define what sexual assault is for everyone and state with clarity that anyone who sexual assaults or harasses another employee or customer will be fired immediately. Because some people think that complaints will be dismissed as cries for workers compensation, remind everyone that all complaints will be taken seriously and investigated fully. Finally, remind employees that they should feel free to come forward with any complaints or concerns and to make sure that their colleagues, supervisors, and staff feel safe at work.
Supervise the Store
Ultimately, everyone will behave in a certain manner if they feel like they are being watched at all times. Part of being able to investigate claims of sexual assault fully is to make sure that there is video footage to corroborate any accusations. Go with dome cameras that make it difficult to see what direction the camera is pointing in. Map out where the blind spots of the security cameras are and make sure that these blind spots aren’t areas where sexual abuse could potentially be committed. Make sure that employees, staff, and supervisors know that there are security cameras watching that could be used as evidence, along with symptoms of sexual assault such as PTSD, to back up and sexual assault claims.
Sacramento Sexual Assault in Employment Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, and I’m a Sacramento Sexual Assault Lawyer. While nobody should ever have to face sexual assault in the workplace, assault continues to be particularly problematic for those working in retail. If you, or a loved one has been sexually molested or sexually assaulted, please contact me at (916) 921-6400 for friendly, free advice. For those outside of the local area, I offer a toll-free line at (800) 404-5400.
I am a proud member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum in the state of California. Our forum is made up of some of the top-rated trial lawyers in the United States. Every member has won million or multiple million-dollar case verdicts for past clients.
Please take some time to look at some of my past verdicts and settlements.
I encourage everyone to view the helpful reviews left by past clients on Avvo (a lawyer review site), Yelp, and/or Google.
Image Credit: Valdas Ruzgys – Lithuanian Wikipedia
:dr