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Sexual abuse is a pervasive problem that has been largely ignored for too long. It's estimated that one in four women and one in six men have experienced some form of sexual violence in their lifetime. Unfortunately, large organizations are often complicit in concealing the crimes committed by their personnel, leaving victims with little to no recourse for justice. This blog will examine how corporations try to hide sexual abuse from the public view and what is being done to bring perpetrators to justice.
The Problem with Corporate Cover-Ups
Organizations and entities have long been known to cover up sexual assaults committed by their working members. These organizations include:
- Schools
- Universities
- Women's Prisons
- Churches
- Youth groups
- Hospitals
The primary motivator behind such cover-ups is fear of negative publicity or financial liability stemming from the allegations. Unfortunately, this corporate behavior enables perpetrators to continue committing these heinous acts without consequence. Victims are made to feel as if they do not matter and that their voices are not heard above the institutions' reputations.
Related Reading: "A Culture of Violence in Women's Prisons"
How They Attempt to Hide
Organizations employ various tactics to conceal acts of sexual abuse. From silencing victims and discouraging them from speaking out to intimidating whistleblowers and fabricating stories in order to protect the reputation of the accused. They may pay hush money to keep news of the incident quiet or offer settlements that require confidentiality agreements. Some organizations may even go as far as threatening legal action against anyone who speaks out on behalf of a victim.
Current Efforts To Fight Back
In recent years, there has been a concerted effort on behalf of the victims of these abuses to hold the corporate entities accountable for their actions or omissions. Various laws have been passed at both state and federal levels that expand the rights of victims and increase penalties for offenders. There has also been an increased focus on empowering survivors by providing them access to resources they need, such as legal representation and counseling services.
Related Reading: "What the Adult Survivors Act Means For You"
Moreover, media outlets have increasingly shined a spotlight on cases involving corporate cover-ups, which has helped raise public awareness about this issue. All these efforts are helping make sure victims are afforded justice while facilitating much-needed change within our society as a whole.
What Survivors Can Do to Find Justice
It's important to remember that survivors of sexual abuse have rights and resources available to them. Victims should never feel ashamed or afraid to speak out and seek justice. Here are a few steps they can take:
- Reach out for support – Reach out to family, friends, or qualified professionals in order to get the emotional support needed during the healing process.
- Document evidence – Gather any physical evidence, documents, emails, text messages, etc., that may be used against the perpetrator in court.
- Seek legal advice – Obtain assistance from an experienced lawyer who specializes in sexual assault cases and can help navigate the legal system successfully.
How Levy Konigsberg is Helping Survivors
Levy Konigsberg is committed to providing survivors of sexual abuse with comprehensive legal representation and guidance. Our team of experienced attorneys specialize in cases involving corporate cover-ups and can help you get the justice you deserve. We understand that taking legal action against a powerful organization can be daunting, but our compassionate professionals are here to provide the support and resources needed to fight for your rights at every step.
If you’re a survivor of sexual abuse, you deserve justice. Contact us today at (800) 315-3806 or fill out our form online for a free initial consultation.
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