Interview to the Connecticut Coalition Against Sexual Assault

According to the US Department of Justice, every 5 minutes someone is a victim of sexual assault in the country. 1 of 3 girls, and 1 in 6 boys, will suffer an assault before they reach 18 years of age. Other statistics are reported for more adults, and the number of cases is equally unfortunate. Sexual violence can be in various ways, physical, verbal, harassment, innuendo, rape. All these actions become abusive when is not permissible by one of the parties involved. Manipulation is also considered a type of sexual violence.

It is important to remember that victims are never to blame. Victims, regardless of age, gender, creed, origin, or social status, always need the mental and moral support of our community.

After the Uber and Lyft scandals of this week, Boceto Media spoke with Beth Hamilton (Director), and Sheryan Cancel (Latinx Coordinator) of the Connecticut Alliance Against Sexual Assault, to find out more information of the reported cases and to learn how to help victims.

Interview

Boceto Media: Beth, I know that yesterday you met with Senator Richard Blumenthal at the Capitol. What was the outcome of that meeting?

Beth Hamilton: We had great media support. The goal of that meeting was definitely to raise awareness in CT and across the country about the constant abuses and insinuations of Uber and Lyft taxi drivers. I hope that Blumenthal sends a statement to these companies to give us more information about drivers with these behaviors. But also to find better strategies to see their background check and make people feel safe.

Boceto Media: I understand that Uber and Lyft, do background checks for their drivers before hiring them. What do you think has happened in these cases with drivers with a history of sexual violence or crime?

Beth: We are asking Senator Blumenthal to make drivers to have another type of background check, similar to those that regular taxi drivers have before working. That includes fingerprints, and access to other databases to determine if these drivers have an undoubtful reputation. For instance, the driver in Fairfield had a past of sexual assault. He was not the most appropriate person to have that job. If companies go through fingerprints verification, perhaps the cases would have been prevented. But, Blumenthal is supporting us on that issue to make it more transparent, so that these people are removed from their jobs. Something commonly seen is that one day these drivers work for Uber, and then if the company finds out of misconduct, they remove the workers. But the next day these people are working for Lyft and continue with their same behaviors. These apps do not have a service line to report assault committed by their drivers, and we are fighting for this to be implemented.

Boceto Media: Has any other local legislator spoke in support of this cause?

Beth: Not that I know. Only Blumenthal is the one who contacted us to support us. I am not sure if he will talk with his colleagues to continue with this issue, but his office is supporting and leading this cause.

Boceto Media: What about other organizations like yours, or those that fight against domestic violence. Have they contacted you?

Beth: Not that I know of. Here at The Alliance, we have 9 coalitions that offer services for victims of sexual abuse, and each of them is qualified to serve the victims. But we also have a post conviction service and this group works with people who have offended, and we provide them with treatment services. We know that right now they are working with victims of this case, and also with the offenders. It is a developing process.

Boceto Media: Sheryan, has anyone called you directly to report cases of assault perpetrated by Uber or Lyft drivers?

Sheryan: Yes, I've heard them on the helpline, not only in CT but in other states. They have called us for help, and we connect them with lawyers.

Boceto Media: What are the most common actions of sex offenders? Can it be physical or verbal?

Sheryan: Both. Many times they start with words and then move on to do something physical. Many of the callers ask us for help, and then we link them for other services. We never force victims to take actions they don't want, we only give them the options, but then they are the ones who decide. Uber and Lyft, don't give those options like calling the police or organizations like us.

Boceto Media: Have you heard cases of Latinos (a) reporting events happened by taxi application services?

Sheryan: The numbers are lower. Not only in this issue of taxi by application, but Latinos do not call and report these acts of abuse. Our line in Spanish does not receive as many calls as those in English. That’s why we appreciate the press support like Boceto Media, that’s how we can continue with our work of providing information and services in Spanish. We want to serve you all.

Boceto Media: Now that these service applications have become popular, perhaps parents have to be careful when their teen children use these services?

Sheryan: If you use these services, and there is something that makes you feel uncomfortable, call us, talk to us. It is never your fault. Victims are not to blame! If you don't like something, just say No. Fear makes it feel dangerous. And maybe by saying no, you can stop the abuser from doing something, but it's not a hundred percent guaranteed. Victims are not alone, call us, never doubt it. Say No if you do not feel comfortable. Do not hesitate to follow your guts when something is not right.

Boceto Media: What are the numbers to call?

Spanish: 1888-568-8332

English: 1888-999-5545

Boceto Media: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Beth: Yes, to everyone who has experienced assault, or anything that made you feel uncomfortable, call us and visit our website https://endsexualviolencect.org . There you can learn about our organization, our coalitions and how we work with all the victims.

Sheryan: The services are free and confidential, all year round at any time. Call us and we will help you.

Boceto media: Thank you very much.