Content Warning: This blog overtly deals with mentions of sexual violence.
Sexual abuse is a heinous crime that can occur anywhere, at any time, irrespective of the gender or age of the victim. Sexual violence is not an isolated incident; it is often a systemic issue involving several individuals or institutions.
The Truth about Sexual Abuse in Institutions and Organizations
Although individuals expect institutions and organizations to provide a safe environment, they often fall short of this requirement. Institutions where a power dynamic exists have been flagged for having the biggest sexual abuse issues. It is important to shed light on these institutions as it is only when there is awareness and exposure can we hope to eradicate such heinous acts in our society.
The Education Sector
Educational institutions are a haven for sexual predators. Sexual abuse cases involving teachers and students are widespread in many parts of the world. Many institutions fail to put in place measures to protect students from such predators. The cases of Larry Nassar, a former Michigan State University physician, and South African rugby coach Teochew Greyling come to mind here.
Institutions can help protect students by training employees and students on how to identify and report abuse cases, implementing better background checks, and creating independent committees that hold abusers accountable.
Sports Organizations
In child-centric sports organizations, adults in charge of the children can use their power to manipulate and abuse them. The Penn State and USA gymnastics scandals exemplify how deep-rooted and systemic these problems can be. The barriers to prevention and reporting in such institutions seem to stem from a fear of losing sponsorship and the reputation the institutions have built over the years.
Therefore, stakeholders in these institutions must put in better measures to protect these children, such as implementing stricter background checks, ensuring all employees and volunteers are trained on how to identify and report abuse cases, and creating an independent committee that can hold abusers accountable.
Religious Organizations
Another institution where sexual abuse often occurs is religious organizations. These organizations have been accused of covering up sexual abuse cases for fear of tarnishing their reputation. The Catholic Church and Jehovah’s Witness organizations are some of the most notorious religious organizations accused of covering up sexual abuse. What’s even more alarming is the fact that these cases of sexual abuse are often rampant, occurring in many parts of the world.
These organizations must take responsibility for the cases of sexual abuse and adopt policies that ensure that all cases are reported and can be handled promptly, appropriately, and efficiently.
The Military
The military has a long history of sexual harassment, assault, and rape. Many victims feel that their complaints are not taken seriously, and their abusers are often protected by their superiors. Even when severe punitive measures are taken, the victims often do not get adequate support to deal with the trauma they have been through.
The Entertainment Industry
Several reports have shown that many entertainers and celebrities have used their power and status to force their subordinates into sexual activity. This abuse of power and lack of legal consequences is one of the leading reasons why sexual abuse issues often get covered up.
The Prison System
Prisons have been found to have some of the highest rates of sexual abuse. Prisoners are often vulnerable, and they have little legal protection. Furthermore, many of these abuses go unreported because the victims feel they have no recourse to justice. The authorities in prisons are not always receptive to complaints, and the victims fear retaliation from their abusers.
Sexual Abuse Claims in New Mexico
The institutions mentioned in this blog have been identified as having some of the most significant sexual abuse problems. Sexual abuse poses a significant threat to society, and we must take the necessary steps to prevent it.
If you or a loved one have been a victim of sexual abuse, it is important to seek legal advice from a compassionate and experienced sexual assault attorney. Remember, you’re not alone, and there’s help available.
The team at Curtis & Co. will fight for justice on your behalf. Contact us today by calling (505) 871-3740 or filling out our secure online form for a free consultation.