FORT WORTH – Rape crisis center advocates warn the more than 3 thousand sexual assaults reported for the year 2018 by ride sharing company Uber are likely a small percentage of actual sex assault crimes; as little as 6 to 9 % of the actual crimes, says “The Women’s Center” Assistant Director of Crisis Services Alisha Byerly says.
Byerly says in Tarrant County, 880 such assaults were reported in 2018, and believed to be just a similar fraction of those actually endured. Byerly has a few tips for those passengers of ride sharing services, which includes not accepting any water, food or other drink, or any substance, from a person not well known, including drivers. Byerly says her center has received several reports related to assaults reported to involve ride sharing drivers as indicative of “rape drug” use, which may have been inserted into something offered a passenger, without their knowledge. Other reported assaults may also involve initial sharing of alcohol or drugs, which she asserts can be tampered with ahead of time.
Byerly points to a 2015 study from the University of Texas at Austin that indicates 9% of sex assault victims report the crime; just 6% seek medical attention. Prior reports place the reported crime numbers at 6 to 9 percent of those actually committed.
Byerly says sex assault victims should first seek medical attention after an attack. She suggests victims call a rape crisis center for help from volunteers who generally will help a victim in person and every step of the way including examinations and evidence collection, if reported, in an emergency room setting.
(Copyright, All Rights Reserved, WBAP/KLIF 2019)