On Thursday, December 5, Uber released a safety report disclosing how many reports of sexual assault it has received from passengers in 2017 and 2018. Boston Area Rape Crisis Center Executive Director Gina Scaramella issued the following statement in response:
“We were disturbed, though not surprised, to hear the numbers of people impacted by sexual violence while using Uber’s ride-sharing service. But we also welcome Uber’s transparency on the scope of the problem. It is unheard of for a company or institution to collect data like this and release it voluntarily; campuses had to be ordered through the Clery Act to release their numbers. In addition, we welcome Uber’s detailed explanations of the safety and prevention efforts it is implementing to reduce incidents of sexual harassment and assault in its service. We strongly encourage other companies, in all sectors, to follow Uber’s lead. Sexual assault, harassment, and abuse are the most under-reported crimes in the United States. Further transparency by other public and private companies and institutions will greatly add to our understanding of the true prevalence of sexual violence in our communities.”
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About the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC)
Founded in 1973, the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center has a mission to end sexual violence through healing and social change. BARCC provides free, confidential support and services to all survivors of sexual violence ages 12 and up and their families and friends throughout Greater Boston. It works with survivors regardless of when the assault occurred, and its goal is to empower survivors to heal and seek justice. BARCC also works with a wide range of organizations and communities, including schools, colleges, and police, to advocate for change. It provides training in how to respond to survivors and create cultures that prevent sexual violence in the first place. Follow BARCC on social media: Twitter @barcc; Instagram @barccofficial; Facebook /barcc.org.
