What Businesses Do Sexual Assault Crimes Occur at Most Often?

Sexual assault is not confined to dark alleys or late-night encounters with strangers. Unfortunately, these crimes happen in places that are supposed to be safe, like businesses. So, what businesses do sexual assault crimes occur at most often?

When you know where these incidents occur, that can help you recognize risk factors, push for better protections, and know your rights if sexual abuse or assault happens.

Hospitality Industry

Hotels and vacation rentals are meant to be escapes from everyday life. But with the transient nature of guests and a lack of surveillance in certain areas, these environments can be ripe for sexual assaults.

Predators might be other guests, but they can also be staff members. Sometimes, these individuals may have unsupervised access to rooms or private areas. If you are staying at a hotel, you might want to take a few precautions.

Use the latch or deadbolt, avoid telling strangers your room number, and never open the door unless you know who’s on the other side.

Bars, Clubs, and Restaurants

These are some of the most common settings for sexual assaults. In crowded spaces with dim lighting, predators can take advantage of impaired judgment or slip drugs into drinks.

Servers, bartenders, and security staff are there to prevent incidents, but not every business trains employees to intervene. When you patronize these establishments, make sure to always keep an eye on your drinks and be mindful of others’ behaviors.

Rideshare and Transportation Services

Unfortunately, sexual assault cases involving rideshare drivers have made national headlines in recent years. When you take a ride, you are alone in an enclosed space with a stranger, often late at night.

Rideshare companies have implemented safety measures like driver background checks, GPS tracking, and emergency buttons in the app. But no system is perfect, and sometimes, unscrupulous individuals can take advantage of this role and commit an assault.

Schools, Colleges, and Universities

Campus life should be about learning and community, but sexual assault is a widespread issue in both high schools and higher education. There are plenty of unsupervised spaces, parties, and close living arrangements.

That often leads to environments where predators operate.

Colleges have Title IX obligations to address and prevent sexual harassment and assault, but enforcement varies.

Religious Institutions and Clergy Settings

Places of worship should be sanctuaries. But the sad reality is that there have been decades of sexual abuse by clergy and other religious leaders. These actions are more insidious.

The abuse involves grooming over time and using spiritual authority to gain trust and silence victims. The betrayal not only harms individuals but also shakes entire faith communities.

Gyms, Spas, and Massage Businesses

These businesses put customers in a vulnerable position simply because of the nature of their services.

You might be changing clothes or lying on a massage table. All these activities require a high level of trust.  Sadly, there have been numerous cases of sexual assault in these spaces.

Many times, these crimes are committed by employees who were never properly vetted or supervised.

Healthcare Facilities

Medical appointments often require physical contact, and unfortunately, this can be exploited.

There have been cases of assault by doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers. Sometimes, this can be hidden behind the guise of a medical procedure.

If you feel uncomfortable, you can request a chaperone during an exam, keep your clothes on until necessary, and speak up if something doesn’t seem right. Reputable providers will respect these boundaries.

Why Certain Businesses See More Cases

According to RAINN, only two of three sexual crimes are reported. Since many survivors will not come forward right away due to shame, fear of retaliation, or distrust in the system, the official numbers of sexual crimes reflect just a fraction of the real picture. These incidents happen more than most people would like to admit, and they occur in places where you would expect some level of safety.

While certain businesses may be prone to these crimes, this can happen anywhere. Predators exploit any environment where there is a breach of privacy, a power imbalance, or a sense of trust.

What to Do if You’ve Experienced Sexual Assault at a Business

If you have been assaulted at a business, you need to take action, whether on a criminal or civil level. Here is what you need to do:

• Get to a safe place immediately.
• Call 911 or local law enforcement if you feel comfortable doing so.
• Seek medical attention as soon as possible, both for your health and to preserve evidence.
• Document everything you remember, including names, descriptions, and any messages or receipts.
• Consider speaking to an attorney who specializes in sexual assault cases. These businesses and institutions can be held liable for failing to protect you.

Get Help for Your Case

Sexual assault in business settings is more than a criminal act. This is a breach of trust in places where we should feel secure. Whether it’s a hotel, a bar, a school, or a place of worship, the impact can be traumatic and long-lasting.

If you have experienced any assault, contact Hendrickson & Long, PLLC. We have helped survivors hold their attackers and the institutions that employ them responsible for these heinous actions.

All consultations are confidential, and we are here to discuss your situation.