Posts Tagged ‘Sexual Abuse’
Two Different Police Departments Forced to Address Sexual Harassment Allegations; Is Harassment a Serious Problem in Law Enforcement?
December 21st, 2012
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
Atlanta, GA- Two different police agencies, one in Missouri and North Carolina, are being forced to address sexual harassment complaints and allegations of retaliation. Could the stress of being in law enforcement cause people to engage in sexual misconduct or is it just an issue of too much power?
In Urbana, Missouri, two veteran officers were fired after allegations of sexual abuse between them arose. Officers Roxy Flippin and Jason Owens had a contentious relationship from the beginning but things reached a head when Flippin allegedly threatened Owens and both were suspended with pay, according to the KSRP 33, local ABC affiliate.
In a closed Alderman meeting, the board decided to fire Flippin because of the threat and announced Owens would get a full-time position. After the meeting opened Filppin then told the board she was repeatedly sexually harassed by Owens.
Owens was then fired, and now the department must investigate Flippin’s allegations.
Flippin refused to grant an interview to KSRP but in a statement her attorney said, “There was a lot of discrimination based on sex and there was an assault on Roxy that was overlooked by the Mayor and Chief of Police.”
In a recent incident on North Carolina, a female Catawba County sheriff’s deputy alleged that she was sexually harassed by a superior officer and Sheriff Coy Reed fired her after reporting the misconduct.
According to the Hickory Record, Deputy Stacy Minor filed a federal lawsuit last week, alleging Lieutenant Joseph Sigmon sexually harassed her for over a year. The lawsuit says that Reed fired her for complaining and refusing Sigmon’s sexual advances. The suit also names the County as defendant because they refused to address the complaints.
The lawsuit lists a number of salacious comments and actions by Sigmon. In one incident Sigmon told her “I bet you are finger licking good, and texted her “how are the twins (referring to her breasts),” among other accusations.
Also in January of 2011, Sigmon was sitting in the driveway of her home without invitation. When she told Reed, Sigmon admitted to it, but was not disciplined.
Reed says she never told Sigmon to stop the harassment. Minor’s lawsuit admits she never told Sigmon “no,” but that was because she feared for her job.
After she became pregnant she was transferred to detention center, and was eventually fired on November 12th.
Sexual harassment in police ranks are fairly common, but it is it a serious problem? There have been no studies to show that it is a pervasive problem exclusive to law enforcement, but on this site we frequently report on incidents involving law enforcement agencies nationwide.
The real issue at play in sexual harassment is power. The majority of sexual harassment cases involve harassment of a subordinate by a superior. Bosses often have the advantage because they know employees are often afraid to report incidents for fear of being fired, and that the majority of incidents will go unreported.
Power gives some people the impression they can abuse others without the threat of recourse. Even the threat of a lawsuit is not enough to discourage harassment and retaliation in the workplace.
Nearly half of women and a smaller percentage of men admit they have been sexually harassed at least once during their working lives, but failed to report those incidents. And when they do report they their allegations, superiors ignore or dismiss allegations as frivolous.
Adequate sexual harassment training is one solution, but is not a cure for the pervasiveness of harassment and discrimination in the workplace. So what can we do to end this problem?
Did the University Of Iowa Ignore Sexual Harassment in their Athletic Department?
November 19th, 2012
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
Iowa City, IA- Following last week’s abrupt resignation of Peter Gray, athletic director at University of Iowa, the school has promised to institute policies address sexual harassment. But did they ignore the problem to begin with?
Gray, 56, is accused of sexually harassing students and colleagues for over a decade. Some of the victims accused Gray of rubbing their shoulders, hugging, and touching the genitals of student athletes. Gray has admitted to some touching but denies allegations that he grabbed a student’s genitals.
Gray also gave out football tickets in exchange for receiving nude photographs of someone not affiliated with the university. A report also revealed that he had inappropriate photos on his work computer.
A confidential report leaked to The Iowa City Press-Citizen, revealed that allegations against Gray dated back to 1993, when he was initially hired at the university. He left Iowa in 1995, but was rehired in 2001. Since his rehire, several students and colleagues complained about Gray’s behavior, but the university took no action.
The leak of the classified documents indicates that in addition to the university being aware of the harassment, school officials also tried to keep the case quiet.
Sarah Mason, University of Iowa President apologized for school’s failure to properly address the allegations.
Athletics is big business for a university or college and they often take extraordinary steps to protect their reputation. The most glaring example of this is Penn State, where numerous college officials covered up the on-going sexual abuse of young boys by Coach Jerry Sandusky.
No one has to tolerate harassment on the job or while they are attending university. Victims of this abuse can retain a sexual harassment attorney if their supervisors or other officials refuse to take the misconduct seriously.
Gang Members Sexually Harass Poll Worker During Presidential Election
November 7th, 2012
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
According to Cicero police, a group of gang members sexually harassed a poll worker during Tuesday’s presidential election.
The victim, a 41-year-old woman handing out thank-you cards to Cicero voters at Lincoln School, claims a man approached her and made sexual threats. She then left Lincoln School for another polling location, and the man allegedly followed her.
Police say five men joined the first sexual harassment suspect and continued the threats. The woman yelled for witnesses to call the police, who then arrived at the scene and took one of the men, Alfredo Gonzalez, 55, into custody. Gonzalez was later charged with disorderly conduct.
Police allege that men involved in the attack were part a local street gang.
Have you been the victim of unwanted sexual abuse? Did a co-worker proposition you for sex in exchange for a raise or promotion? Has a teacher offered you higher grades in school if you go out with them? If any of these sound familiar, turn to a top sexual harassment lawyer immediately to file a claim and defend your rights.
Sexual harassment takes many forms. It can be something simple like a general overheard joke or something severe like a physical attack. Regardless of the incident, sexual harassment lawyers do everything in their power to make sure the offender pays for their crimes and so you can obtain compensation for your pain and suffering.
If you do nothing about the situation, chances are it will only get worse. Don’t allow yourself to endure a hostile work environment and seek legal help right away. Schedule a consultation with a leading team of sexual harassment attorneys to file a case today and put an end to the unwanted sexual conduct.
BBC Involved in Sexual Harassment Scandal
October 24th, 2012
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
LONDON, UK – A sexual abuse scandal is taking over the BBC as the broadcaster claims it is investigating allegations of unwanted sexual harassment against nine staff members and contributors, in addition to the late sexual predator (and TV host) Jimmy Savile.
The BBC has been dealing with sexual harassment allegations involving Savile, who died last year. The claims accuse Savile of sexually abusing several underage teens over several decades, sometimes on BBC premises. Some of the alleged victims have also accused other entertainers and BBC staff of participating in the sexual harassment, which allegedly took place between the 1960s and ’80s.
According to director-general George Entwistle, the BBC is looking into the allegations, but that it is too early to tell whether sexual abuse did in fact occur on BBC property. He added that the BBC would assist law enforcement officers in the investigation.
Entwistle also acknowledged there was “a problem of culture within the BBC … a broader cultural problem” that allowed Savile’s lewd behavior to go unchecked.
“There is no question that what Jimmy Savile did and the way the BBC behaved … will raise questions of trust for us and reputation for us,” said Entwistle.
Unfortunately, you don’t have to go overseas to know that sexual harassment is prevalent everywhere, especially in the United States. If you have been hurt by a sexual offender, contact a sexual harassment lawyer immediately to file a case and contest your rights.
Sexual harassment attorneys are on your side and will fight for your rights. They will work diligently to help you obtain compensation for your pain and suffering as well as to make sure the perpetrator is brought to justice.
Call to schedule a consultation with a sexual harassment lawyer near you today.
Sexual Assault Victim Accused of Ruining Attacker’s Life
August 22nd, 2012
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
Savannah Dietrich is only 17-years-old, but was the victim of a sexual assault. She is now speaking out after the court protected the assailant and not her, even though the teenage boys involved in the incident confessed to felony sexual abuse and misdemeanor voyeurism.
The sexual harassment incident took place at a party. Dietrich lost consciousness and two boys assaulted her and took pictures. When she woke up, Dietrich noticed her clothes were disheveled and that someone had removed her underwear. After feeling like something was off, she heard rumors that the boys had taken pictures of her.
“They told me that it was me on the kitchen floor, passed out, my eyes are closed,” Dietrich said. “My clothes are — I’m exposed. Someone said one boy had his arm broken at the time and said his cast was in the picture.”
Frustrated by the lenient judgment on her attackers, Dietrich turned to Twitter, calling her attackers rapists and saying, “I’m not protecting anyone that made my life a living Hell.”
Because she named her assailants, Dietrich was then threatened with jail time for violating juvenile confidentiality.
The attorney for one of the attackers, David Mejia, says his client’s life was ruined because of the social media posts and that a rape never occurred.
“He was attending high school and was kicked out,” said Mejia. “He was on course to a scholarship to an Ivy League school to play sports and that may be jeopardized. He’s in therapy.”
Meanwhile, Dietrich’s attorney is fighting back in support of her client.
“They took the pictures, they disseminated it, they told people about what they had done. To come back and blame her now for ruining their reputation I think is despicable. They did this to themselves,” said attorney Emily Farrar-Crockett.
Too many times, sexual harassment victims do not obtain the justice they deserve, but sexual harassment lawyers are here to ensure harassers are penalized for their actions. Call a sexual harassment attorney today to file a case and make sure your rights are protected.
Complaint Filed Over Same-Sex Female Sexual Harassment
July 13th, 2012
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
A complaint has been filed against a female manager at a Long Island-based national women’s organization over sexual harassment.
Krissy DeMonte allegedly engaged in repeated sexual harassment incidents against females at the National Association of Professional Women in Garden City between September 2010 and March 2012.
According the complaint, DeMonte would slap several women on the buttocks, calling them names like “vixen,” “cutie” and “hottie,” in addition to insulting them.
“She’d say you’re hot, you’re sexy, no wonder why all the guys love you,” said one of the alleged victims, plaintiff Monique McCabe to The NY Post. “I was extremely humiliated. I felt disempowered. I didn’t know what to do. I felt lost.”
McCabe’s colleague, Crystal Alexander, said she suffered similar sexual abuse.
“She would pass my desk, and while I was standing up she would smack me on my behind, grab my butt and pinch me as well,” said Alexander.
McCabe and Alexander complained to the company’s human-resources department, but when word of the complaint reached DeMonte, McCabe claims she became hostile and retaliated against them by writing them up and eventually firing them.
A provocative Facebook photo in which DeMonte is depicted shoving another woman’s face into her breasts has been used in the case as evidence of her behavior.
Many people are under the misconception that sexual harassment only occurs between a man and a woman, with the man as the perpetrator. However, as this incident demonstrates, sexual harassment can occur between anyone, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. If you have been subjected to unwanted sexual abuse, turn to a sexual harassment lawyer immediately to file a case.
Sexual harassment lawyers will defend your right to a workplace free of hostility and will see to it that you obtain compensation for your pain and suffering.
Former Hyattsville Police Officer Accuses Several Department Members of Sexual Harassment
July 12th, 2012
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
A former Hyattsville police officer has filed a federal sexual harassment lawsuit alleging sexual discrimination and abuse occurred frequently within the city’s police department as well as alleges she was retaliated against after complaining to supervisors.
Marsha Lessard, a 2005 graduate of the Prince George’s County Police Academy, alleges she was sexually assaulted by a ranking officer in addition to being subjected to several counts of sexual harassment throughout her employment.
“The Hyattsville Police Department has a dangerously chauvinistic culture that was rife with sexual bigotry,” reads Lessard’s complaint. “Male officers were allowed and encouraged to sexually harass female officers. The worst offenders acted with impunity and female officers that complained of the harassment were severely retaliated against and threatened.”
The suit lists at least 10 Hyattsville city police officers and the incidents that Lessard alleges constitute sexual harassment and which created a hostile work environment.
Like Lessard, if you have experienced any unwanted sexual incidents at work, it is imperative that you seek legal help immediately with an experienced sexual harassment lawyer. Sexual harassment can range from mild incidents to severe crimes, but not doing anything about the situation will almost undoubtedly ensure they escalate. Workplace discrimination lawyers make sure the unwanted sexual abuse is ceased immediately and that perpetrators are held liable for their actions.
No one should have to suffer in a fearful and hostile work environment, but the reality is that many victims do not come forward to seek help or have complained about the situation to no avail. If you have made complaints to your supervisors about inappropriate discrimination or sexual conduct without receiving aid, sexual harassment attorneys will take on you case and ensure your rights are upheld.
Contact a top sexual harassment attorney today to discuss your options and stop the sexual offender immediately.
Judge Reassigned Following Sexual Harassment Allegations
July 10th, 2012
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
FARGO – A judge has been reassigned following allegations of sexual harassment by a court reporter.
Judge Wickham Corwin was reassigned to a team without the woman who complained of the harassment.
According to Corwin, he had hoped to have an affair with the woman, but did not intend for it to start right away, even though they shared a kiss at his home two years ago.
Corwin says the woman misinterpreted his attempts to talk to her after the matter to clear things up. The woman alleges Corwin tried to intimidate her because she did not go along with his advances.
“While Judge Corwin did not intend to threaten (the woman) or make her work environment uncomfortable, his actions had that effect,” read the sexual harassment report.
The court reporter has yet to file an actual lawsuit or formal complaint with the state Judicial Conduct Commission. She was initially reluctant to speak with investigators out of fear she might lose her job.
The allegations surfaced in January after Corwin raised issues about the reporter’s performance at work during a review. He claims she refused to do the typing he requested and that her emails had an insubordinate tone.
One of the emails entailed the woman telling Corwin that she did not want a personal relation-ship with him and asking him to stop discussing the matter.
Sexual harassment is a serious crime. Regardless of whether the incidents involve mild jokes or serious attacks, victims have a right to come forward. If you or someone you know is suffering unwanted sexual abuse, turn to a sexual harassment lawyer immediately to protect your rights.
Sexual harassment lawyers ensure the perpetrator is held accountable for their actions and will make sure you obtain compensation for your pain and suffering. Schedule a consultation with a sexual harassment attorney today.
CIA Cracks Down on Sexual Harassment
July 5th, 2012
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
WASHINGTON — Following complaints of sexual harassment, the CIA is stepping up efforts to decrease unwanted sexual abuse.
In what it calls a “zero-tolerance” police, the CIA is cracking down on supervisors and co-workers after women working in CIA war zones complained of sexual harassment.
David Petraeus, director of the CIA, sent a message to the agency staff members last month to emphasize the anti-sexual harassment initiative. He ordered a team to meet with senior officers stationed abroad to investigate sexual harassment complaints.
The effort is the result of 2009 and 2011 surveys that demonstrated sexual harassment was taking place on the field. Several female agents reported having been harassed, often by supervisors.
“This has been going on for years, but it seems to have become more serious,” said a former CIA official who chose to remain anonymous. “The agency has not come up with an effective tool to stop it.”
According to the survey, the majority of the alleged incidents involved sexual jokes or comments. However, more physical attacks were suggested to have occurred, despite their lack of being reported.
Sexual harassment is a serious crime, but sadly, many victims never come forward out of embarrassment or fear of retaliation. It is important for victims of unwanted sexual assault or abuse to know that they have a right to a safe workplace and can come forward to file complaints. If you or someone you know is suffering as the victim of sexual harassment, seek legal assistance immediately with a sexual harassment lawyer.
Sexual harassment lawyers work diligently to ensure the perpetrator is held liable for their actions and that victims obtain compensation for their pain and suffering. Speak to a leading sexual harassment attorney to fight for your rights and rid the workplace of hostility.
France Amends Sexual Harassment Law to Become More Comprehensive
PARIS, France — France is revamping its sexual harassment laws to include derogatory comments and other inappropriate gestures as sexually offensive actions.
The country adopted a new sexual harassment law on Tuesday which punishes sexual offenders with two years of imprisonment and a fine of 30,000 Euros ($37,000).
The new law defines sexual harassment as “imposing on someone, in a repeated way, words or actions that have a sexual connotation” and either “affecting the person’s dignity because of their degrading or humiliating nature” or putting him or her in an “intimidating, hostile or offensive situation.”
Sexual jokes, hugging or looking at someone up and down will become punishable sexual harassment acts as part of the law.
For more severe sexual harassment offenses, including sexual abuse of a minor, offenders can face up to three years in jail and a $53,000 fine.
The new law follows the conviction of a deputy mayor after harassing three employees, who complained that the country’s current sexual harassment law was too vague. The old law restricted the definition of sexual harassment to “obtaining favors of a sexual nature,” and was punishable by a year in jail and a fine of about $18,500.
If you have been victimized by a sexual offender, don’t be afraid to seek help. Doing nothing about the situation almost guarantees that it will happen again or get worse. Turn to a sexual harassment lawyer immediately to file a claim and protect your rights.
Sexual harassment defense attorneys fight for your rights so that not only the offender is brought to justice, but so that you can obtain compensation for your pain and suffering. Call a sexual harassment lawyer today to discuss your options and file a case to rid your workplace of all hostility.