4 Places That See a High Number of Sexual Assaults

Sexual assault is a serious issue all around the world. The United States has seen over 400,000 sexual assault cases in a year. Survivors of sexual assault can be anyone, regardless of age, gender, or sexuality. 

Sexual assault is when an individual uses force or threatens another individual into doing sexual acts. If a person faces such acts of sexual violence, then it is ideal that they seek legal help to file sexual abuse and assault cases.

This article explores the various locations where sexual assault is more prevalent.

Public Transportation 

Public transport has become a hotspot for sexual assaults. If a person is sexually assaulted in a densely crowded bus or subway, it becomes tough for them to identify and report it. Such places often lack proper surveillance, making it even easier for perpetrators to attack their targets without fearing consequences.

Victims may avoid reporting such cases due to fear and social stigma. It is the responsibility of the government and society to ensure that their public transport is safe for its users. Discarding the stigma and bias against sexual abuse survivors can also help encourage others to speak up.

Safety tips for traveling on public transport:

• Carry a pepper spray
• Keep a rape alarm/whistle handy
• Self-defense tools (e.g., brass knuckles, self-defense keychains, etc.)
• Tasers/ Stun guns

College Campuses and Dormitories 

College campuses and dormitories frequently have a high amount of sexual assault cases. The number of parties, alcohol, and lack of proper policies are some causes of such cases. When a person is sexually assaulted, they often take time to build the courage to report it.

When the perpetrator is someone they used to trust, speaking up about the case might get even more daunting for the survivor. The fear of facing backlash or social ridicule also adds to the anxiety a young collegegoer might have.

Campuses and dormitories can be made a safer space by:

• Educating about consent
• Easier ways to report a sexual assault
• Setting up safety resources
• Looking out for each other

Workplaces 

Workplace sexual assault often occurs when there is a power imbalance between the perpetrator and the victim. The perpetrator often uses their position and power against the victim to force them to perform sexual acts. Such cases are prevalent in all industries, making addressing and acting against them necessary.

Survivors often do not speak up regarding their experience out of fear of being fired or facing bias in the future. Workplaces also try to brush such cases under the rug to maintain their reputation. There needs to be a proper system that allows survivors to speak up without fearing professional consequences.

Examples to create a safer workspace for all:

• Conduct regular seminars addressing sexual violence
• Create an anonymous reporting platform
• Not protecting perpetrators for the sake of saving the company’s face
• Establish zero-tolerance policies against acts of sexual violence

Bars and Nightclubs 

Bars and nightclubs combine alcohol, dim lighting, loud music, and a crowded environment, making it a hub for sexual predators. Predators often rely on spiking people’s drinks or taking advantage of a heavily intoxicated individual to ensure that they are in no position to retaliate. Such a setting makes it difficult to spot or have the conscience to act against it.

Such sexual assault cases often go unreported as the victim might not even remember the assailant’s face or the assault. If a person sees another person behaving suspiciously, it is their social responsibility to report such incidents to the authorities. People going to bars and nightclubs must also take the necessary measures to ensure their safety.

Tips to ensure safety in bars and nightclubs:

• Never leave a drink unattended
• Watch your drink being prepared
• Always have a trusted individual who will stay sober that night
• Avoid overconsumption